Zika Virus Patient Education

What is Zika Virus?

Zika virus is a virus spread mainly by mosquito bites. It can make people sick with symptoms like fever, rash, and joint pain. Most people get better on their own, but it can cause serious problems for pregnant women and their babies.

Causes and Risk Factors

Zika virus is caused by a bite from an infected Aedes mosquito.
You can get Zika by being bitten where Zika is common, like parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and some parts of the U.S.
Pregnant women have higher risks because the virus can harm the baby’s brain.
It can also spread through sexual contact.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually start 2 to 14 days after a mosquito bite and may include:

Fever
Rash (red spots on skin)
Joint pain, especially in hands and feet
Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
Muscle pain
Headache
Fatigue or feeling tired

Early warning signs are usually mild, but if you notice these symptoms after traveling to an area with Zika, you should pay attention.

Complications if Untreated or Noncompliance

For most healthy adults, Zika causes mild illness that goes away on its own.
For pregnant women, Zika can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly (small head and brain problems).
Rarely, it may cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition where your nerves are attacked, causing weakness.

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

There is no medicine to cure Zika.
Rest as much as you can.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and pain.
Avoid aspirin or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen until dengue fever is ruled out (because these can cause bleeding problems if you have dengue).

Common Types of Medications

Acetaminophen for pain and fever relief.
No antiviral drugs are available for Zika.

Purpose and Side Effects of Medications

Acetaminophen helps lower fever and ease pain.
Side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions or liver problems if taken too much.

Dietary Needs

Drink plenty of water and fluids to avoid dehydration.
Eat balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and proteins to help your body heal.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can dehydrate you.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants.
Use mosquito repellents with DEET.
Stay indoors or in screened areas, especially during peak mosquito hours (early morning and evening).
Use mosquito nets if sleeping outside or in unscreened rooms.

Safety Considerations

Pregnant women should avoid traveling to places with Zika outbreaks.
Use condoms to prevent sexual transmission.
Protect infants from mosquito bites.
Avoid donating blood during illness.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed (like flower pots, buckets, old tires).
Keep doors and windows closed or screened.
Use insect repellents approved by health authorities.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before traveling.
If you’ve traveled to an area with Zika, tell your healthcare provider.

When to Call for Help

Call Your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

You have a mild fever and rash but can still drink fluids and rest.
You have mild joint pain or headache.
You want advice on managing symptoms at home.
You are pregnant and have recently traveled to a Zika area or had symptoms.
You notice worsening symptoms but no emergency signs.

Go to the Emergency Room if:

You have severe headache or neck stiffness.
You have sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving your arms or legs.
You have difficulty breathing or chest pain.
You have very high fever that does not go down.
You have severe pain or swelling in joints.
You feel very confused, dizzy, or faint.
You are pregnant and have bleeding or severe abdominal pain.

Patient Homework/Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement carefully. Choose True or False. If the statement is false, write the correct information.

True or False: Zika virus spreads mainly through mosquito bites.
True or False: Only pregnant women can get Zika virus.
True or False: Zika symptoms usually appear within two weeks after being bitten.
True or False: There is a vaccine to prevent Zika virus.
True or False: Acetaminophen can help reduce fever from Zika.
True or False: You should use mosquito repellent to avoid Zika infection.
True or False: Zika virus can cause birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected.
True or False: Drinking alcohol helps you recover from Zika virus.
True or False: You should avoid aspirin until dengue fever is ruled out.
True or False: Zika virus can spread through sexual contact.
True or False: If you have a mild rash and fever, you should go immediately to the emergency room.
True or False: You should get plenty of rest and fluids if you have Zika virus.
True or False: Zika virus is common in cold, snowy areas.
True or False: Wearing long sleeves can help prevent mosquito bites.
True or False: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water.
True or False: Zika virus always causes severe symptoms.
True or False: Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with Zika outbreaks.
True or False: If you have joint pain and fatigue from Zika, you should still stay active and avoid rest.
True or False: Zika can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affects nerves.
True or False: You should tell your doctor if you traveled to a place with Zika virus, even if you feel fine.

Individualized Questions for Patients

What symptoms have you noticed since your possible exposure to Zika virus?
Have you traveled to any areas where Zika virus is common? If yes, where and when?
Are you or could you be pregnant? Have you had any pregnancy tests?
Have you been using mosquito repellent and other ways to prevent mosquito bites?
Have you been drinking enough fluids and resting as recommended?
Have you taken any medications for fever or pain? If so, which ones and how often?
Have you noticed any new symptoms like weakness, numbness, or difficulty breathing?
Have you been tested for Zika virus? Do you know your lab results?
Do you have any questions or concerns about your diet or lifestyle while recovering?
Have you used condoms or other protection to prevent sexual transmission of Zika?