Zika Virus

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• QCan Zika virus be transmitted sexually?

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  A RealAge answered

  The Zika virus can be transmitted sexually. In fact, the first case of local transmission in the continental United States occurred this way. A person in Texas became infected after having sexual contact with someone who had recently returned from a country where a Zika outbreak was happening. Before that, though, only a few suspected cases of sexual transmission had been reported. It isn't yet known how commonly Zika is spread this way. Male-to-female or male-to-male transmission seems to be the greatest risk, but male-to-male and female-to-male transmission have also been reported. 
  
  People who show signs of Zika virus--which can include fever, rash and joint pain--should see a doctor if they have traveled to an area where a Zika outbreak is occurring, or if they have had sexual contact with someone who has been there recently. Sexual partners who may have been exposed to Zika can protect each other by using condoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) especially recommends this precaution for pregnant women whose partners may have been exposed to Zika recently. 
  
  Men who have traveled to a region where Zika is spreading should abstain from unprotected sex and not try to conceive with their partners for at least 6 months, whether or not they had symptoms of Zika infection. Women should do the same for at least 8 weeks after possible exposure. 

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• QIs there a link between the Zika virus and Guillain-Barre syndrome?

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  A Baptist Health South Florida answered

  A study has linked the Zika virus -- a mosquito-carried disease -- to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a disease of the nervous system that can cause muscle weakness or temporary paralysis. Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the person’s own immune system attacks nerve cells in the arms, legs and other areas of the body. Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect all age groups, especially men over the age of 50. International experts continue to explore the link between Zika and other conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome.

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• QShould I be tested for the Zika virus if I'm pregnant?

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  A Dr. Carrie L. Sloan, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of St. Mark's Hospital

  If you are pregnant and have traveled to an area where the Zika virus is spreading, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you should be tested within two weeks if you have any of these symptoms:

  • fever
  • rash
  • joint pain
  • red eyes (conjunctivitis)

  However, most people who are infected with the Zika virus don’t have symptoms. So, if you are pregnant and recently visited an area where Zika is spreading, tell your doctor. Ask about getting tested -- even if you don’t have symptoms.
  
  This content originally appeared on http://blog.mountainstar.com/
• QHow can I cancel my travel plans if I'm concerned about the Zika virus?

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  A Dr. Carrie L. Sloan, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of St. Mark's Hospital

  If you are worried about the Zika virus and want to cancel your travel plans, ask your airline or hotel about their refund "window." Many airlines and hotels have a period of time in which you can cancel travel and get your money back, even if you didn’t buy travel insurance.
  
  If you’re pregnant and the refund window has passed, ask your doctor for a written note on letterhead. This might help you get a refund or credit for future travel. The note should confirm your pregnancy and explain that you’ve are medically unable to travel in areas where the Zika virus is spreading.
  
  The hotel or airline might want the note emailed or faxed directly from your doctor. Be prepared to give your doctor this information. Follow up until your doctor confirms that the letter has been sent. Also, follow up with the airline and hotel to make sure your refund or credit is on the way.
  
  Then, make plans for a nice staycation here in the United States.
  
  This content originally appeared on http://blog.mountainstar.com/
• QHow can I reduce my risk for exposure to Zika virus?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  There are some simple ways to decrease your risk for exposure to Zika virus. It is important to wear mosquito repellent and protective clothing if you are in an area that is known to have a lot of mosquitoes. It is also helpful to decrease your risk for Zika virus by avoiding travel to areas with a high prevalence of Zika infections and transmission.
• QIs there a test that can diagnose Zika in myself or my baby?

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  A Medical City Plano answered

  Currently, the only agency testing for Zika is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a few state health departments. If you’ve recently returned from one of the outbreak areas and develop symptoms, your healthcare provider may contact a state or local health department to facilitate testing.

  There is no in-utero test to see if your baby has the virus. However, if one of my pregnant patients reported these symptoms after returning from a trip, I would refer her to a maternal fetal medicine doctor; essentially a high-risk OB. He or she would probably order more frequent ultrasounds to make sure the baby’s head growth was keeping up with the rest of the body.

  If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, use common sense: Postpone travel to Zika transmission areas, take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites, and be aware of potential symptoms.

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• QWhat should men know about the Zika virus?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  All people—men included—should know that when travelling in areas endemic to the Zika virus, they should use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and long pants. If you are diagnosed with Zika, you should treat your fever with acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), rest, drink plenty of fluids and follow up with your primary care provider. If you or your partner travel to Zika-endemic areas, use condoms for six months to prevent transmission and having a baby that is born with severe defects.

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• QHow can I prevent the spread of Zika virus?

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  A St Francis Medical Center answered

  To prevent the spread of Zika virus the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who could have been exposed to Zika–they come back from a trip and either have a mosquito bite or classic symptoms–stay indoors and avoid crowded outdoor settings and mosquito-laden areas for about three weeks.

  While most of the time, the virus is at its peak levels in the blood for about one week, it's better if you just stay indoors with good screens or air conditioning, and wear mosquito repellant and long sleeves if you must go out, for three weeks. If you’re a homeowner, avoid keeping standing water in areas around your house that could serve as breeding pools for mosquitos.

  Since there’s no vaccine and no cure, being in a place where there are fewer mosquitos, wearing insect repellant and wearing the long clothes makes all the difference in the world if there’s potential risk.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.

• QWhat are the symptoms of Zika virus?

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  A St Francis Medical Center answered

  The most common symptoms of Zika virus are low-grade fever, usually 99 to 100 or 101; some muscle aches; some joint pain and conjunctivitis or red eye. The disease is very self-limiting. People will have symptoms for three to seven days. They will take a little Tylenol, stay well hydrated and get better just like that. In most cases, people would rarely miss a day or two of school or work. It’s really the infants doctors are worrying about–women carrying babies–because Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.

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