Pregnant mothers, let's protect ourselves from this terrible Zika virus! Shall we learn the details?

If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon, this is going to be very important to you. You may have heard the word ``Zika''. But today, let's talk about what it is exactly and why it is dangerous, especially for pregnant women. It's like talking to your best friend, so let's try to understand it simply.

What is Zika? Where does it come from?

Simply put, Zika is a disease caused by a virus . Like dengue and chikungunya, it is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes. In particular, two types of mosquitoes, `(Aedes aegypti)` and `(Aedes albopictus)`, carry this virus . These mosquitoes bite most often during the day.

Most people with Zika do not have any symptoms , or only very mild ones. So you may not even know you have the disease. However, if a pregnant woman is infected with this virus, it can seriously damage the brain development of the unborn child. That is the biggest danger.

The mosquito that carries the Zika virus is found in many countries around the world. The disease has spread especially in the Americas, the Caribbean, parts of Africa, and some countries in Asia. In the past, there were even major epidemics. Now, most cases are reported among people who have traveled abroad.

What are the symptoms of Zika? Does everyone get it?

Surprisingly, not everyone who gets Zika will develop symptoms. On average, only about one in five people who are infected will develop symptoms. And those symptoms usually last from two days to a week.

The main symptoms that can be seen are:

• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain (especially the small joints of the hands and feet)
• Redness of the eyes (similar to conjunctivitis)
• Skin rash (This is a ``Maculopapular'' type of rash, meaning that some areas are raised and some areas are flat and red. Sometimes these rashes can itch.)

Because these symptoms are similar to those of common viral fevers and dengue fever, we may not even think it could be Zika. That's why it's important to be aware of these symptoms if you've been to an at-risk area.

Is Zika dangerous? Who is most affected?

For adults and children, Zika is not a serious illness. Most people recover within a few days, with no symptoms or only mild symptoms.

However, Zika is a very dangerous condition for pregnant women. This is something we all need to remember.

If Zika is contracted during pregnancy, the virus can be transmitted from mother to child and can interfere with the development of the child's nervous system, especially the brain. This can lead to various congenital conditions at birth.

How does Zika get into our bodies? There are several ways it can be transmitted!

There are several main ways the Zika virus can enter our bodies:

1. Through mosquito bites: This is the main and most common way . If an Aedes mosquito bites someone with the Zika virus and then bites a healthy person, that person can also become infected. Just like the dengue virus is transmitted.

2. From pregnant mother to baby: This is where we need to focus the most . If a mother is infected with Zika during pregnancy, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the baby in the womb. This can cause serious conditions in the baby, such as ``Microcephaly`` (small head).

3. Through sex: This is another thing that many people don't know. The virus can remain active in the semen and vaginal fluids of someone who has been infected with the Zika virus for weeks, even months. Even if there are no symptoms, and even after the disease has resolved, another person can be infected through this type of sex. Therefore, it can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

4. Through blood transfusion: This is a very rare occurrence . There have been several cases of Zika transmission through blood transfusion in countries like Brazil and France. However, there have been no reports of Zika transmission through blood transfusion in countries like the United States.

How long can Zika be contagious?

Speaking of sexual transmission, some studies have shown that the virus can be present in semen for up to 6 weeks after the onset of symptoms. That's why it's recommended that people who have traveled to an area where Zika is common, use condoms during sex, or abstain from sex, for at least 3 months , whether they have symptoms or not.

What are the effects on the baby if Zika is contracted during pregnancy?

This is the most important thing we should all be concerned about. If a pregnant mother gets Zika, the virus can pass to her baby and affect the baby's development. According to statistics, approximately 5% (that's about one in 20) of mothers who get Zika will have their babies born with certain problems (`(Congenital conditions)`).

The main complications that can occur are:

• Smaller than normal head size (Microcephaly) : This means that the baby's brain has not developed properly. This can greatly affect the child's mental and physical development.
• Congenital Zika syndrome : This is characterized by severe head compression, a slightly sunken skull, reduced brain tissue, eye damage, joint problems, and excessive muscle rigidity (hypertonia).
• Improper brain development : This can include serious conditions such as neural tube defects, lissencephaly (a soft brain), hydrocephalus (water in the head), loss of parts of the brain, and brain atrophy.
• Cerebral palsy : This has long-term effects on a child's coordination and muscle control.
• Vision or hearing impairments
• Low birth weight

The important thing is that a doctor cannot say for sure whether these complications will occur or whether they can be prevented. However, they can prepare you mentally and provide the necessary support for the challenges that you and your baby may face once the baby is born.

How do you know for sure if you have Zika? What are the treatments?

To know for sure if you have a Zika infection , you need to get tested by a doctor . Usually, your blood or urine is tested to see if the virus is present. However, this test is usually only done if you have traveled to an area with a risk of Zika and are showing symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is no specific medicine yet to kill the Zika virus or completely cure the disease. Doctors can help you manage your symptoms (such as fever and body aches) and teach you how to avoid infecting others.

• At home, you can reduce fever and body aches with medications like `(Acetaminophen)` (e.g. Panadol).
• But remember this: Do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac) without medical advice. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding in other diseases that have similar symptoms to Zika, such as dengue fever.

Zika infection usually resolves on its own within a few days to a week. However, as mentioned earlier, if it is contracted during pregnancy, the birth defects (congenital conditions) that the baby may have are permanent and cannot be cured.

So how can we protect ourselves from the Zika virus? Prevention is the most important thing!

Since there is no specific treatment for the Zika virus, the best thing to do is to stay safe . There are a few things we can do to do that:

1. Protect yourself from mosquitoes: This is the first and most important thing .

• If you are traveling to an area with a Zika risk, wear long, well-covered clothing.
• Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin.
• Stay indoors as much as possible, with screens on the windows, or in air-conditioned rooms.
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping.
• Most importantly: After you've been to a Zika-risk area, avoid being bitten by mosquitoes for at least 3 weeks . This is because you can still have the virus in your body even if you don't have symptoms, and if a mosquito bites you and bites someone else, you can spread the disease.

2. Be safe during sex:

• If you or your partner has traveled to an area with a risk of Zika, use a condom correctly every time you have sex for at least 3 months , or abstain from sex completely during that time. This is important whether you have symptoms or not.
• Do not share sex toys with others, as they can also transmit Zika.

3. If you are pregnant, avoid traveling to areas where Zika is prevalent:

• This is definitely something to do. Avoid such trips as much as possible.
• If you must go, inform your doctor and seek his/her advice. Always be alert to symptoms.
• If you are already pregnant and there is a Zika outbreak in your area, do everything you can to avoid mosquitoes and be safe during sex.

4. If you are hoping to have a baby:

• If you or your partner have traveled to a Zika-risk area and have been confirmed to have Zika, it is wise to postpone having a baby for a while.
• Current advice is to wait at least 2 months for women and 3 months for men , either after travelling to the area or after symptoms start, before trying to have a baby again. Talk to your doctor about this and make a decision.

What should I do if I get Zika? How can I avoid infecting others?

Most people who get Zika have only mild symptoms and get better in a few days. However, to help prevent spreading the virus to others, especially pregnant women, here are some things you can do:

• Use condoms during sex or abstain from sex for at least 2-3 months after symptoms start, as the virus can remain active in semen and vaginal fluids for longer than in blood.
• Avoid exposure to mosquitoes for at least 3 weeks after symptoms start. Use mosquito repellent and cover up.

Can Zika cause other complications?

Very rarely, about two in 10,000 people who get Zika can develop an autoimmune disorder called ``Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).`` This is when our own immune system attacks our own nerves. This can lead to conditions such as loss of consciousness and paralysis. But most people recover within a few weeks to months.

When should I see a doctor?

• If you have traveled to an area with a risk of Zika and have symptoms of Zika.
• If you are pregnant and have any concerns or fears about Zika, or have been exposed to a risk area.
• If you develop symptoms during a Zika outbreak in your area.

In such a situation, definitely seek medical advice.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, you might ask questions like these:

• "What tests can I take to find out if I have Zika?"
• "I am pregnant/expecting to have a baby. How can I protect myself from Zika?"
• "How can I prevent Zika from spreading to others?"
• "How long should I abstain from sex, or should I use a condom?"
• "What should I be especially careful about when traveling to a region with a Zika risk?"
• "When is the safest time for me/us to try to have a baby?"

The most important things we need to remember

Okay, so from what we've discussed, I hope you've got a good idea about Zika. In summary:

• The Zika virus is usually not a big problem for adults and children. However, if you are pregnant, it can be very dangerous. Because it can have a big impact on the development of the baby's brain in the womb and can cause other birth defects.
• Fortunately, not every pregnant woman who gets Zika will have problems with her baby. But the risk is there. So it's important to do everything you can to protect yourself from Zika. Especially by protecting yourself from mosquitoes and practicing safe sex.
• If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, talk openly with your doctor about Zika. They will give you the right advice and support you need.

We hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy!

` Zika, mosquitoes, pregnancy, baby, brain, birth defects