Zika

How common is Zika?

There is limited information on how common Zika is. However, outbreaks of the Zika virus are more common in certain countries these include:

• Mexico

• Turks and Caicos

• Bahamas

• Guatemala

• Belize

• Costa Rica

• El Salvador

• Panama

• Honduras

• Venezuela

• Guyana

• Brazil

• Ecuador

• Suriname

• French Guiana

How can I catch the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is mostly caught by a bite from an infected Aedes mosquito. However, there is a small risk of being infected through sexual contact, blood transfusions, or organ transplantation.

You can minimise your risk of catching the Zika virus by using mosquito repellent and nets and wearing long clothes if you are in high-risk countries or regions.

As there is limited information about how the Zika virus is spread, testing is the best way to see if you have been exposed.

Can I catch the Zika virus without being sexually active?

Most people catch the Zika virus by being bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito. There is a small risk of being infected with the Zika virus through sexual contact, a blood transfusion or organ transplant.

What are the signs and symptoms of Zika?

About 80% of people infected with Zika have no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they are usually mild and seen between 3─14 days after infection and last between 2–7 days. Zika symptoms include:

• Itchiness or rash

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

• Fever

• Headache

• Aches

When should I get tested for Zika?

Zika testing is recommended if you are pregnant, have symptoms, or have traveled to a high-risk county. If you are pregnant, have no symptoms, and have traveled to a high-risk country in weeks 2−12 of your pregnancy then you should strongly consider getting tested. You should also get tested for Zika if you are male and your partner is or may be pregnant, and you have been to a high-risk country. If you are worried that you may have been exposed to the Zika Virus, then you should take a test for peace of mind.

How do I get tested for Zika?

If your potential exposure to the Zika virus was less than a week ago then Zika testing involves a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This is a blood or urine test that measures the levels of the Zika virus in your body. You should receive your results in 1–9 days from when your sample arrives in the laboratory.

To test for Zika more than a week after your potential exposure, you should book the Zika Antibody test. This is a blood test, and you should receive your results within 5 working days from when your sample is received in the laboratory.

Take responsibility for your sexual health with Better2Know. Testing with Better2Know is easy, fast, and pain-free. You can book a test today with Better2Know by calling our Sexual Health Advisory team on the number above or online by clicking the Get Started button.

What are the risks if Zika is left untreated?

There is no specific treatment for Zika. However, it is still important to test for Zika if you think you have been infected to stop you from spreading the virus to any sexual partner(s). Your symptoms may worsen if you do not drink plenty of fluids and rest. Zika during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects.

How can Zika affect a pregnant person and their baby?

Infection with the Zika virus during pregnancy increases your risk of a miscarriage or the baby being born early. The Zika virus can cause the baby to be born with microcephaly (smaller than normal head size), mobility issues, or visual impairment. As the child grows up, they may have other health problems, particularly with their nervous system.

Scientists are still learning about how the Zika virus may affect a pregnant person and their baby. Therefore, if you wish to get pregnant or are pregnant it is recommended that you avoid high-risk countries. If you are in a high-risk country, you can minimise your risk of infection by wearing clothes that cover your skin, using mosquito repellent, and using mosquito nets. Anti-malarial medicine is not effective at preventing a Zika infection.

What do I do if I test positive for Zika?

Men who test positive for Zika should wear condoms for 28 days even if there are no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, then you should use condoms for 6 months. This is to prevent the spread of the Zika virus to your partner(s) as it is currently not known how long the virus can survive in sperm.

If you test positive for a Zika infection you should inform any sexual partners whom you have had unprotected sex with. This is so they can get tested for Zika.

If you receive a positive test result, you should discuss this with a doctor of your choice. This is very important should you wish to get pregnant or are pregnant. If you would like us to arrange a private doctor’s appointment for you, please phone the number at the top of the page.

How is Zika treated?

There is no specific Zika treatment to help relieve symptoms. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water, rest, and take painkillers as required.

At Better2Know we can arrange a private doctor’s appointment. If you prefer you can consult a doctor of your choice.

Can Zika come back?

Scientists are currently researching whether you can be infected with the Zika virus more than once. However, you will likely be protected from future infections. It is recommended that you take protective measures to avoid infection including wearing clothes that cover your skin and using mosquito repellent.

When can I have sex again after testing positive for Zika?

Men who have visited a high-risk country whose partners are pregnant should get tested and wear condoms for 28 days after their return, even if there are no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, then you should get tested and use condoms for six months from the date of return. This is to prevent the spread of the Zika virus to your partner(s) as it is currently not known how long the virus can survive in sperm.

How do I book a Zika test?

Better2Know is the world’s leading provider of private sexual health testing services. We provide you with fast and accurate testing to give you peace of mind.

You can book a test today with Better2Know by calling our Sexual Health Advisory team on the number above. Our expert Patient Services staff will help you select the right test and book any follow-up appointments if requested. If you prefer to book your test online, you can do so by clicking the Get Started button above.