Disclosure: This is a sponsored post created in collaboration with Stiletto Media and Northwell Health- Go Health Urgent Care to provide awareness and information on the Zika virus. All opinions are my own.
Since the Rio Olympics, the Zika Virus has been a topic of interest for competing athletes but those of us in the United States who are wondering about safe places to travel and what Zika Virus is all about. There is so much misinformation out there which I was very interested to attend Northwell Health- Go Health Urgent Care Zika event to get the facts on the virus.
Dr. Neal Shipley, Regional Medical Director at Northwell Health- Go Health Urgent Care provided the facts about the Zika Virus and answered questions about the virus.
8 Facts You Need to Know About the Zika Virus
- The most common way of getting the Zika Virus is through an infected mosquito.
- If you were infected with the Zika virus, it will not affect future pregnancies.
- Most people who are infected won;t know they are infected because they won’t show symptoms.
- Zika Virus symptoms are much like the common cold – fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, headache and muscle pains.
- Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Guyana are the top three areas with Zika infections.
- A way to protect your children from mosquito bites is to cover the crib, stroller, & baby carrier with mosquito netting
- No local mosquito-borne Zika virus disease cases have been reported in US states, but there have been travel-associated cases
- Did you know that as of June 24, 2016, 233 Zika virus infections have been diagnosed among NYC residents? But NONE were locally infected.
What should you do if you suspect you have the virus?
- Definitely see a doctor within 2 weeks of traveling to a place with the Zika virus, if you develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes.
How to Protect Your Children
- Dress them in clothing that covers arms and legs and by covering crib, stroller, & baby carrier with mosquito netting.
Zika Virus Test Is Free To Take
- The test to see if you have the Zika virus is free but you must be pre-screened by your Doctor beforehand.
Want more information, visit the CDC website.
