To know if you are infected by the Zika virus it is important to be aware of the symptoms that usually appear 10 days after a mosquito bite and that initially include fever above 38ºC and red spots on the skin of the face.
However, these symptoms can be confused with a flu and so it is important to be aware if in the following hours other symptoms appear as:
Usually, these signs last up to 5 days and can be confused with flu, dengue or rubella symptoms and it is therefore important to go to the emergency room when more than 2 of the symptoms appear to be seen by a doctor to diagnose the problem, initiating the appropriate treatment. See a more complete list and how to alleviate the Symptoms caused by the Zika virus.
How to know if the baby is with Zika
In the case of the baby, it may be a bit more complicated to identify the symptoms of Zika. For this reason, it is very important that parents pay attention to signs such as:
- the baby cries a lot;
- restless;
- your skin has red spots;
- fever above 37.5 ° C;
- Red eyes.
If Zika is suspected, one should take the child to the pediatrician to make sure it is this disease and initiate appropriate treatment. Here's what you can do to treat your baby with zika.
What to do if Zika is suspected
If you suspect Zika you should go to the hospital to have the doctor look at the symptoms and confirm that they are being caused by the Zika virus.
In addition, the doctor may also ask for some tests to ensure there is no other disease that may be causing the same symptoms. However, in times of epidemic doctors may suspect the disease and do not always request any examination.
What exams are used
The tests that identify the Zika virus find small particles of this virus in the bloodstream of the infected person, so they are only effective while there are symptoms of Zika, which takes 5 to 10 days to occur. After this period it is usually no longer possible to know if the person had the disease or not, because traces of the virus in the blood are not always found.
New exams available
Based on the latest scientific advances, specific tests are being conducted that can differentiate Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya. Currently, the most specific examination to detect the Zika virus is the RT-PCR that is available in reference centers of the Ministry of Health, not being accessible to the population, being used only in cases of investigation of complications and deaths related to Zika virus.
A new test called NAT KIT that is capable of diagnosing dengue, zika and chikungunya, has already been approved and ordered by the Ministry of Health to replace the RT-PCR. The new KIT identifies the genetic material of each particular virus, but is not yet available in all health facilities, and is restricted only to Fiocruz.
Another test is able to identify the Zika virus in the semen but this is not yet available to the general population.
How is the treatment of the Zika virus
The treatment for the Zika virus is the same as the treatment of dengue, and should be guided by a general practitioner or infectologist. It is usually done only with symptom control, since there is no specific antiviral to fight infection.
Thus, treatment should be done only with rest at home for about 7 days and use of analgesics and fever remedies such as Paracetamol or Dipirone, for example, to relieve symptoms and accelerate recovery. Anti-allergens and Anti-inflammatories may also be indicated to control some of the symptoms.
In some people the infection by the Zika Virus can have as complication the development of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a serious illness that when left untreated can leave and patient without walking and breathing, being potentially fatal. So if you develop progressive weakness in your legs and arms you should go to the hospital quickly. People diagnosed with this syndrome reported having had symptoms of Zika about 2 months earlier.
Learn about other diseases that may be related to Zika.
Why should you always go to the doctor?
In case of suspected Zika should go to the doctor so that he can confirm the infection by the virus and indicate the necessary medicines, according to the symptoms.
In addition, Zika is a disease that should be reported to health authorities in Brazil and the world, so it is up to the physician to send reports that indicate the number of people infected and the symptoms they present. This information is important for the study of the disease and is useful to know more details about how to treat and what its health implications.
Why does not the doctor always ask for tests?
Doctors usually do not ask for specific tests for the Zika virus because they are not available to the general public. Only a few people selected by the Ministry of Health undergo these tests, especially when serious complications arise, in order to understand what caused this problem.
However, in order to rule out other diseases, the doctor may order other tests, such as blood, urine or ultrasonography, to identify other diseases that may have similar symptoms .
See the following video on how to feed yourself to recover from zika faster.
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