On top of the of million stressors women face during pregnancy we can now add the Zika virus to the list. This mosquito-borne virus surfaced just over a year ago in South America and Brazil. Affecting thousands of babies with severe birth defects , babies born with an abnormally small head and brain, causing brain damage when their mothers contracts the virus.
The Zika virus has landed in the United States , lab tests have confirmed the Zika virus has been contracted by returning travelers who have gotten the virus from mosquito bites. Some non-travelers got Zika through sex with a traveler. Symptoms of the Zika virus are similar to a mild case of the flu and may include such symptoms as a low-grade fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Symptoms may last several days to a week. Recently the Zika virus has been found in the Miami area ( Miami Beach and the Wyn Wood ) if you are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant please stay away from these areas.
To reduce the chance of contracting virus:
- Wear shirts with long sleeves and pants, rather than shorts
- Using bug spray with DEET, which is safe for pregnant and nursing women (check the label and follow the directions carefully and wash your hands after applying repellent).
- Avoid traveling to places where active transmission of Zika is possible.
- Use protection to avoid sexual transmission.
- Click link for organic bug spray.
If you have any concerns please contact your physician.
