Zika Symptoms and How to Avoid Zika Virus
Photo Credit: BBC
As the sixth case of Zika virus in the Philippines has been recently confirmed by the Department of Health with the positive testing results of a woman from Iloilo City, most Filipinos are now asking about what zika symptoms are and how to avoid contracting the zika virus.
According to BBC, deaths involving the virus zika are rare and that only one in every five individuals are thought to develop symptoms. Among the zika symptoms include rashes, mild fever, headache, sore eyes, and joint pain. It was also reported that a rare nervous system disorder, Guillain-Barré syndrome –which can cause temporary paralysis– was also connected to the virus.
It should be noted that some people tend to attract mosquitoes more than others. Studies suggest that mosquitoes seem to be more attracted to people with a Type O blood. Another factor that attract mosquitoes are larger people with bigger bodies as they exhale more carbon dioxide and mosquitoes are attracted to exhaled gas. Pregnant women –who also exhale more carbon dioxide- are found to be more susceptible to insect bites also due to the fact that they have higher temperature. Finally, mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like black and navy blue.
To avoid attracting mosquitoes who might be carriers of the dreaded zika virus or dengue virus, concerned individuals are advised to wear lighter colored clothes such as whites and pastels as opposed to wearing clothes with darker colors.
Another way to avoid the zika virus is to buy chemical-based insect repellent such as Diethyltouamide (DEET). According to studies, an insect repellent with 10 per cent DEET can keep the wearer safe from mosquitoes for 5 hours.
Meanwhile, for those who wants natural protection against insect bites, plant-based chemicals from the orange family such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, and citronella are helpful in repelling unwanted mosquitoes. Other essential oils like green tea and eucalyptus are also found to be effective. And if you are the type of person who hates applying sticky lotions or essential oils, then another effective solution is to get the electric mosquito killer currently on sale at 72% off at Supreme Deals!
