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Food & Health

Take Charge: Protecting Yourself from The Zika Virus

2 Mins read

Zika is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. This fast spreading virus has recently hit an all-time high in the United States prompting the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to classify it as an impending epidemic. Since there is no vaccine yet made for the prevention of the virus, the only way to avoid the disease is to not get infected in the first place by avoiding mosquito bites.

Take Charge: Protecting Yourself from The Zika Virus

Below I will mention a few precautionary measures you can take to prevent the acquisition of this disease.

1. Avoid travel to red zones : In order to give yourself the best possible chance at avoiding the zika virus, avoid traveling to affected areas. The Center for Disease control has an updated list on its website clearly marking the counties which have the most active infections. If you cannot avoid these areas, take great caution by sleeping under treated mosquito bed nets, ensuring that you stay in air conditioned rooms and use the proper mosquito repellent religiously. Pregnant women are advised to completely avoid the affected areas as they may pass on the virus to their unborn child.

2. Use the correct, recommended mosquito repellent : The Center for Disease Control also has a list of recommended brands of mosquito repellent to use. This type of repellent works with an active ingredient known as DEET. It is important to check and confirm with your health care provider before you buy a repellent to use in Zika prone areas. This will give you a higher chance at preventing the acquisition of the virus.

3. Dress appropriately : Dressing in clothes with full sleeves, pants that cover the full length of your legs and socks to protect your toes will keep mosquitoes from biting you in the covered areas. The aedes mosquito which is the mosquito responsible for the Zika virus, has a tendency to bite feet so make sure you wear close toed shoes. A hat for your head is even better. Some go the extra mile of wearing clothes containing permethrin which is an insecticide. Permethrin is an insecticide that has been classified as safe for pregnant and lactating mothers as well as infants.

4. Exercise Indoors : When you feel the need to break a sweat through exercise, ensure that you do this indoors. The aedes mosquito is attracted to carbon dioxide and heat which is what you omit the most when you are busy getting fit.

Exercising caution in the above ways is a good way to prevent the spread of Zika. But even the most cautious individuals can contract the virus as the aedes mosquito is most active during the day and only requires a small amount of water to breed. Luckily there is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, also known by the acronym, ELISA. This range of Elisa also has a kit known as zika virus test kit, which can detect Zika antibodies before symptoms of the virus occur. This will enable you to prevent its spread and to be aware of your situation.

About Author : Herman Shaw has been an employee of www.MyBioSource.comĀ  a site that stocks and sells Elisa kits for 11yrs. He is also a blogger who enjoys sharing information about his line of work. Visit her blog and learn more.

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