ZIKA Virus 101: What To Know & Should You Be Concerned.
Staying healthy should be a top priority in everyone’s life, but doing so is easier said than done. Living in the 21st Century has it’s ups and downs for sure, but when it comes to health; it seems like the Medical Industry is only interested profits. With so much advanced technology and meds, you’d think there would be a cure for everything, but the last major disease cured (Polio), was over 50 years ago. In honor of World Mosquito Day, we wanted to share some information on the the latest major disease outbreak, the Zika Virus.
The Zika Virus is an infection caused and spread by mosquitoes. Originating from Uganda in 1947; Zika is related to yellow fever, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and west nile virus. People infected with the virus usually experience mild symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Joint Pain
- Rash
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes)
These symptoms can last from several days, on up to a week, but the lengths vary from person to person. Having such mild effects, the Zika Virus rarely causes death, but a hospital visit is common. There aren’t any preventive vaccines or meds, and pregnant women are at greater risk than most people. The infection can be spread from woman to fetus causing all types of birth defects such as severe brain abnormalities, hearing deficits, impaired growth, and defects of the eyes. Infections in adults cause the immune system to attack the nervous system, contributing to a condition known as Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome.
Ways To Protect and Prevent
Protecting yourself and your family is the best option since there is no present vaccine to treat the illness. Since mosquitoes are the culprits; wearing long pants and longer shirts is highly recommended and you can purchase aerosol repellent sprays with Deet, IR3535, Picaridin, or Lemon Eucalyptus Oils ingredients. Here are some extra ideas to help you and your family remain safe.
- Limit your time outdoors
- Get rid of any standing water at your residence
- Purchase and sleep under a mosquito netting
- Where protection during any sexual activity
- Check travel safety news if going overseas
If you’re infected with Zika or think that you may be infected, go see your doctor for proper diagnosis. Relay any information especially if you’ve been traveling. Even though there isn’t any specific medicine that directly treats the illness; getting plenty of rest is a great way to start. Consuming fluids is ideal, take some form of pain reliever like acetaminophen and make sure not to take any aspirin because of it’s bleeding effect.
Dental Implications
If you’re wondering about how you dental hygiene may or may not contribute to the ZIKA virus, have no fear (or maybe a little). As far as dental implications go, scientists cannot rule out the possibility that transmission can occur through saliva exchanged through deep kissing and oral sex. Zika’s symptoms are mild in adults but are associated with severe neurological complications in fetuses, so it is most harmful to women who are or want to become pregnant in the near future.
Zika is not widespread in the U.S., but at least a few cases exist in nearly every state. Though not the most deadly disease in history; Zika should be respected and properly treated. It’s always better to be safe, than sorry.
