Have you heard about the Zika Virus? It's something mothers especially need to be aware of!

You've probably heard about the Zika virus these days. It's actually a virus that's spread by mosquitoes. It's especially important to be aware of this if you're pregnant or thinking about having a baby. Let's take a look at what the Zika virus is, what its possible effects are, and how to protect yourself.

What is Zika? Why is it dangerous?

Simply put, Zika is a virus that can be transmitted to a person through a mosquito bite. The virus has spread throughout the world, especially in countries with warm climates and where certain types of mosquitoes are common.

We should be most concerned about this virus for pregnant women and those who are about to become pregnant. Did you know? If a pregnant woman gets Zika, it can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and birth defects in her baby.

One of these birth defects is a condition called microcephaly . This is when a baby's head is smaller than normal. When this happens, the baby's brain and skull don't develop properly, which can lead to developmental delays. Imagine how sad that is. Zika can also cause serious problems for the baby, such as eye problems, hearing loss, and seizures.

But there is also this thing, if a healthy baby gets Zika after they are born, they will not develop the condition called microcephaly. Only babies who are infected with the virus while in the womb are at risk of developing brain problems. Therefore, the CDC, which is the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that pregnant mothers should avoid traveling to areas where Zika is spreading.

What are the symptoms of Zika?

Most of the time, Zika does not cause any symptoms, so some people do not even know they have the virus.

However, if symptoms do appear, they are usually very mild. You may notice the following symptoms between 2 and 14 days after being bitten:

• Fever
• Skin rash
• Joint pain, especially in the hands and feet
• Muscle pain
• Redness of the eyes (`(Pinkeye)`)
• Headache

Very rarely, a very small number of people can develop a condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome after contracting Zika. This is a very rare condition. It causes temporary muscle weakness, sometimes leading to paralysis.

How is the Zika virus transmitted?

The main way someone can get Zika is through the bite of a female Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito that has been infected with the virus. These mosquitoes live in tropical regions, meaning they have warm climates, or in temperate regions.

Also, the virus can be transmitted by having sex with someone who has the virus, even if they don't have symptoms, without using a condom . So it's important to be aware of this as well.

Zika virus can be passed from a mother to her unborn baby, so you should be very careful if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you live in an area where Zika is spreading, or if you are traveling to one, try to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible. Also, use a condom during sex to prevent Zika transmission.

It is said that the risk of Zika virus being transmitted from breastfeeding mothers to their babies through breast milk is low. The CDC recommends that mothers continue to breastfeed their babies even if they have Zika or live in an area where Zika is present. However, as a precaution, it is best for breastfeeding mothers to avoid exposure to the virus.

The Zika virus is not as easily transmitted as some other viruses. It is not spread from person to person through sneezing or coughing, like a cold or flu. It is also not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands. So don't panic.

Where is the Zika virus most prevalent?

Zika virus outbreaks have been reported in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and some countries in Asia.

Although the mosquito that transmits Zika has been found in the United States and surrounding areas, there have been few confirmed cases of Zika in the United States (this information is subject to change, so it is best to check the CDC website for the latest information). Since these mosquitoes are also present in Sri Lanka, it is important for us to be careful.

How do you know for sure if you have Zika?

Doctors can check for Zika through blood tests or urine tests.

Pregnant women, or women who are planning to become pregnant, should definitely see a doctor for advice if they think they may have been exposed to the Zika virus, even if they do not have symptoms.

What to do if you get Zika? What are the treatments?

Most people infected with Zika recover within 2 to 7 days with plenty of rest at home and plenty of fluids (such as water and fruit juice). Young children can be given paracetamol for fever and body aches.

However, here's something to remember: Never give aspirin to infants and young children (especially when they have a viral illness). Doing so can cause a very dangerous illness called Reye's syndrome .

Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may contain aspirin. Therefore, it is wise to read the label carefully and consult a doctor before using them. Some medicines containing aspirin may have the word ``Salicylate'' or ``Acetylsalicylate'' instead of ``Aspirin''. Do not give these to children.

Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. Antibiotics are of no use for viral infections like Zika.

Can you protect yourself from Zika? How can you prevent it?

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine yet for the Zika virus. So, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid mosquito bites and be careful during sex. Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas where Zika is endemic.

Do these things to avoid mosquitoes:

If you live in an area where Zika is spreading, or are traveling to one, do these things to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Cover up well: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. For added protection, wear clothing that has been sprayed or rubbed with an insect repellent called permethrin .
• Stay indoors: In homes with air conditioning, keep windows closed, or install screens on windows, and check for holes in the screens.
• Use an insect repellent: Choose one that contains 10% to 30% DEET . Read the directions carefully and use it as directed. Do not use DEET on babies under 2 months of age. You can also use a repellent called Picaridin, according to the CDC. Also, oil of lemon eucalyptus is safe for children over 3 years of age.
• Eliminate standing water: Empty any areas where water may collect, such as bathtubs, flower pots, and buckets, as mosquitoes lay their eggs and breed in such areas.

Couples trying to have a baby should also consider:

Couples who have traveled to areas where Zika is spreading and are hoping to have a baby should wait a while before getting pregnant. Because the virus can be transmitted sexually, it is essential for men to use condoms.

• If a woman has Zika, or has traveled to an area with Zika, she should wait at least 2 months before trying to get pregnant.
• If a man has Zika or has traveled to an area with Zika, he should wait at least 3 months before trying to get pregnant.
• If both partners have traveled to an area with Zika, or if the man has Zika, they should wait at least 3 months before trying to conceive.

Especially about sexual health for pregnant women:

Couples who are already pregnant, live in or have traveled to areas where Zika is prevalent, should avoid sexual intercourse throughout pregnancy, or always use a condom.

Couples who are not pregnant and are not hoping to have a baby should know this:

Even couples who are not pregnant and have no hope of having a baby should use a condom during sexual intercourse for at least 3 months after traveling to an area where Zika is present.

When should I see a doctor?

Pregnant women (or those who suspect they are pregnant) who have traveled to areas with Zika, or who have symptoms of Zika, should definitely see a doctor. It is best to discuss your situation with your doctor and follow any necessary instructions.

The take-home message from this article is

Okay, so we've talked a lot about the Zika virus. Here are the main things we need to remember:

• Zika (Zika Virus) is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It can be very dangerous, especially for pregnant women and their unborn babies. It can cause birth defects such as microcephaly.
• Symptoms don't occur in everyone, but if they do, they are usually mild.
• Prevention is the most important thing. Since there is currently no vaccine, avoiding mosquitoes and practicing safe sex (using condoms) are the key.
• Pregnant women and those who are planning to become pregnant should avoid traveling to areas where Zika is present.
• If you have any doubts, especially if you are pregnant, be sure to see a doctor for advice.

The important thing is to be aware, not afraid, and careful. Got it?

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