Travelling And Worried About The Zika Virus? These Tips Will Keep You Covered

The Zika virus is becoming an emergent global issue. How it is contracted is becoming more of a concern as health officials are stumbling to get their heads around a virus that threatens to spread to every country on the planet. 

One recent report from the CBC claims that the carrier mosquitos of the virus cannot exist in the cold Canadian climate; nevertheless, officials have put in effect a 21-day donation ban on travellers from infected countries. And a BBC News report claims that a US infection was transferred through sex, not a mosquito: the person infected had not been to an infected country, but his partner had returned from Venezuela. The big issue with Zika of course is it has been linked to thousands of babies born with shrunken brains. The US is currently bracing itself for what the World Health Organization has called a "pandemic in process," as the virus has spread, thus far, to 20 countries.

So let's say you've got a business trip coming up, or a vacation planned to one of the countries that you just can't back out of? Here are some tips:

1. Check the Pan American Health Organization: If you're unclear about whether your destination is infected, check out the PAHO website for ongoing updates. 

2. If you're pregnant, travel is not recommended: Given that the virus is impacts babies in utero, pregnant women are advised to reconsider their plans. In fact, thus far only pregnant women have been advised to reconsider travel plans. If you are pregnant and choose to travel, it will be important to avoid being bitten by mosquitos at all cost. 

3. Avoid being bitten: There are some simple ways to accomplish this: 

• Cover up with long sleeves and pants
• Use insect repellents, particularly those with DEET or picaridin
• Apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent
• Keep doors and windows closed, and use the air conditioning

4. For men: We don't know yet the extent to which the virus is spread through intercourse, but it is advised that men returning from such countries use condoms if your spouse or partner is pregnant or might become pregnant. This should be done for 28 days after returning home if you are not infected and 6 months if you notice symptoms.

5. Take certain remedies, avoid others: If you are infected, there are various remedies safe to take:

• Acetaminophen or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain
• Do NOT take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
• Rest and plenty of liquids
• Avoid further mosquito bites through repellent, etc.