How to Protect Yourself From Zika in 2018

As the weather heats up, so does the risk for diseases like Zika and Lyme disease. In May of 2018, CDC has released a video their findings about the rise of disease:

With the increase of risk, many are wondering how to decrease their odds of contracting one of these potentially deadly diseases. Luckily there are many things that can be done. Here is a video we liked from WaysandHow with some recommendations and tips:

The CDC advises:

1.     Avoid places where there are outbreaks

2.    Be aware of times and places for certain exposures

1.     Ticks tend to be found in vegetative areas like grass

2.    Mosquitoes tend to like the daylight hour 

3.    Wear clothing that limits skin exposure 

1.     Use insect repellent on the outside of clothing for additional protection

4.    Check your body for ticks

5.    Use a bed net or a mosquito net

6.    Use insect repellent

You may be asking, "why would I need a mosquito net?" If you are planning on camping, laying out on a hammock, or traveling this summer, it would be a good idea to protect yourself. Bug repellent typically has to be reapplied every 3-6 hours. Instead of simply relying on bug repellent, have another line of defense. If you are looking for a quality net, here is an option.

For more information on Zika follow this link. 

The Zika Virus Meets its Match

The Zika Virus Meets its Match

The Zika Virus is spreading rapidly throughout South America. Just recently it spread to Florida, and now it's been confirmed in Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio, too. It's spread most commonly by mosquitoes. If you're traveling to a warm area with mosquitoes, or if you just want to be prepared for summer, you'll want this high quality mosquito net with you. It's lightweight and durable, not to mention it's plenty big!

What Are the Symptoms?
Lets say even with a great mosquito net you think you have gotten infected. How do you know? What are the symptoms of the Zika Virus? I got the following from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website:

• Only 20% of infected people actually get ill
• Fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes), also muscle pain and headaches
• Symptoms last anywhere from a few days to up to a week
• It is rare that someone be hospitalized by the Zika virus 

Source: CDC. Public Domain

Am I at Risk?

The Zika virus isn't a problem for healthy individuals, but it can cause microcephaly in babies whose mothers get the virus while pregnant. Microcephaly causes abnormal shape to an infant's head and to their brain development. I pulled this microcephaly symptoms list from the CDC website:

1. Seizures
2. Developmental delay, such as problems with speech or other developmental milestones (like sitting, standing, and walking)
3. Intellectual disability (decreased ability to learn and function in daily life)
4. Problems with movement and balance
5. Feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing
6. Hearing loss
7. Vision problems

Is There a Cure?

Currently there is no vaccine. One should take care of themselves as a normal sick person would if they do get the virus. Rest and plenty of water will help.