Zika was a virus that first made headlines in 2015. At the time, it was linked to microcephaly, a serious birth defect. But since then, it’s all but disappeared from the public consciousness; however, in some parts of the world, Zika still poses a threat. In this blog post, we’ll look at the forgotten virus and explore how you can protect yourself against this potentially devastating disease. We’ll look at the symptoms to watch out for and discuss why Zika remains a health risk even after all these years.
The Symptoms of Zika
Zika is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. It can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. It can also lead to serious birth defects. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika. The best way to prevent Zika is to avoid mosquito bites.
Symptoms of Zika usually last for a few days to a week. They typically begin 2-7 days after being bitten by a mosquito that carries the virus. The most common symptoms are:
-Fever
-Rash
-Joint pain
-Red eyes
More severe symptoms are rare, but can include:
-Muscle pain
-Headache
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea
How is Zika Spread?
There are three primary ways that Zika is spread: via mosquitoes, through sexual contact, and from mother to child.
Mosquitoes are the most common way that Zika is spread. The virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This mosquito bites during the day and night, and it can also transmit other diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya.
Sexual contact is another way that Zika can be spread. The virus can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with someone who has Zika. It can also be spread through semen, even if there are no symptoms present.
From mother to child is the third way that Zika can be spread. If a pregnant woman has Zika, she can pass the virus to her unborn child. This can lead to serious birth defects such as microcephaly (a small head and brain).
Who is at Risk for Zika?
There are many people who are at risk for Zika. The most vulnerable are pregnant women and their unborn babies. Zika can cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly (a small head and brain), which can lead to developmental delays, seizures, and other problems.
Other people who are at risk for Zika include:
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer
• Elderly people
• Children
While anyone can get Zika, these groups are more likely to experience severe symptoms if they become infected.
How to Prevent Zika
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the Zika virus. The first is to avoid mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants when you’re outside. Stay in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows.
Another way to protect yourself is to practice safe sex. If you or your partner have been infected with Zika, use condoms every time you have sex or don’t have sex at all during the pregnancy.
Finally, if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about your risk for Zika. If you have any symptoms of Zika, call your doctor right away.
What to do if you have Zika
If you have Zika, it is important to seek medical attention and get tested for the virus. There is no specific treatment for Zika, but you can manage your symptoms by getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking pain relievers as needed. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, it is important to see a healthcare provider right away. There is no vaccine for Zika, so the best way to prevent it is to avoid mosquito bites.
Conclusion
The Zika virus should not be taken lightly and with the right knowledge, it can be prevented. We hope that this article has been helpful in providing you with a better understanding of how to protect yourself from this forgotten epidemic. Remember, knowledge is power and by arming yourself and your family with the necessary information about Zika, you can help minimize its effects on your health. Be safe and stay alert!