Stay Safe from Zika Virus: Essential Preventive Tips

Zika Virus is trending on social media and the major credit goes to the monsoons. Though monsoon brings relief from the blistering heat, but it is also a major cause for vector-borne diseases like Zika. Constant rainfall and excessive water logging are resulting in the breeding of these mosquitoes. Some countries have reported Zika Virus cases and looking at the scenario – the central government has also sent alerts to different states on the condition.

Apart from the government, it is also our duty to take preventive measures and keep our near ones updated about the condition, why it spreads, and what treatments to follow if one gets infected.

First and foremost, you must be aware that the new virus is spread by a vector that is similar to those used by previous vector-borne illnesses like dengue and chikungunya. You might show symptoms similar to dengue and chikungunya if infected by this virus. Treatment measures are merely symptomatic; the illness typically resolves on its own. However, the Zika virus can lead to serious problems for pregnant women, as it can result in Congenital Zika Syndrome or Microcephaly, which are brain disorders.

It can also spread via sexual contact, blood transfusion, or organ transplant. People now need to distinguish Zika symptoms from those of COVID-19 and other vector-borne illnesses.

Signs and Symptoms of Zika Virus Infection

Mild to high Fever
Skin rashes or allergies
Headache
Conjunctivitis
Nausea
Muscle and Joint Pain
Weakness in upper and lower limbs (occasionally)

Tips to Stay Safe From Zika Virus

Don’t panic reading all about Zika Virus as it is only to keep you updated and aware. If there are other symptoms than the one listed above, try to reach out to a doctor for immediate medication. Delay in treatment can result in more complications. Also, try not to handle everything on your own, rather work as per the doctor’s prescription.

Do's and Don'ts

Take proper rest and make sure you remain indoors as much as possible. Additionally, drink a lot of fluids. Secondly, in such a condition, pregnant women must completely avoid traveling, especially to the infected areas as it can be harmful to the child and its health. Since the illness normally resolves on its own, no special treatment is needed.
Another thing you can do is avoid going outdoors during the daytime and ensure your locality has no stagnant water. Keep all the pots and buckets empty so that mosquitoes are unable to find any way to breed in such water.
Try wearing dull-sleeved clothes when going out for a walk or playing with children on the ground.
Keep your doors and windows closed if you reside in an area where mosquitoes are common.
Drink boiled water and use mosquito repellents to keep yourself safe from mosquito bites.
Eat more and more fresh homemade food that is rich in nutrients and proteins. Follow diet therapy to stay away from junk food.
Install a ventilation system in your house so that the room doesn’t feel suffocated when the doors are closed.
Don’t jump to medicines if you have a fever. Instead, if it continues for more than 2 days, consult a doctor.
Wash your hands frequently and try to maintain basic hygiene.
If you often get ill due to a weak immune system, avoid visiting crowded places during this period.