• Published on: Jul 09, 2021
  • 4 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Important Questions About Zika Virus Answered

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

Important Questions About Zika Virus Answered

Q: What is Zika?

A: Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.

Q: How do people get infected with Zika?

A: Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). A pregnant woman can pass Zika to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Also, a person with Zika can pass it to his or her sex partners. We encourage people who have traveled to or live in places with risk of Zika to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

Q: What health problems can result from getting Zika?

A: Many people infected with Zika will have no symptoms or mild symptoms that last several days to a week. However, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. Current research suggests that Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, is strongly associated with Zika; however, only a small proportion of people with recent Zika virus infection get GBS.

Once someone has been infected with Zika, it’s very likely they’ll be protected from future infections. There is no evidence that past Zika infection poses an increased risk of birth defects in future pregnancies.

Q: Should pregnant women travel to areas with a risk of Zika?

A: Pregnant women should NOT travel to areas with Zika outbreaks. Before traveling to other areas with the current or past spread of Zika, pregnant women should discuss their travel plans with a doctor. Travelers who go to places with outbreaks or past or current spread can be infected with Zika. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other severe brain defects.

Q: What can people do to prevent Zika?

A: The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

Use registered insect repellents  Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants

Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air-conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.

Zika can be spread by a person infected with Zika to his or her sex partners. Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex. Condoms include male and female condoms. To be effective, condoms should be used from start to finish, every time during vaginal, anal, and oral sex and the sharing of sex toys. Not having sex eliminates the risk of getting Zika from sex. Pregnant couples with a partner who traveled to or lives in an area with risk of Zika should use condoms every time they have sex or not have sex during the pregnancy.

Q: What are the symptoms of Zika virus disease?

A: The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, and muscle pain. Many people infected with Zika won’t have symptoms or will have mild symptoms, which can last for several days to a week.

Q: How is Zika diagnosed?

A: To diagnose Zika, your doctor will ask you about recent travel and symptoms you may have and collect blood or urine to test for Zika or similar viruses.

Q: Can someone who returned from an area with a risk of Zika get tested for the virus?

A: Zika virus testing is performed at CDC and some state and territorial health departments. See your doctor if you have Zika symptoms and have recently been in an area with a risk of Zika. Your doctor may order tests to look for Zika or similar viruses like dengue and chikungunya.

Q: What should pregnant women who have recently traveled to an area with a risk of Zika do?

A: Pregnant women who have recently traveled to an area with a risk of Zika should talk to their doctor about their travel, even if they don’t feel sick. Pregnant women should see a doctor if they have any Zika symptoms during their trip or after traveling. All pregnant women can protect themselves by avoiding travel to an area with risk of Zika, preventing mosquito bites, and following recommended precautions against getting Zika through sex.

Q: I am not pregnant, but will my future pregnancies be at risk if I am infected with the Zika virus?

A: Currently, there is no evidence that a woman who has recovered from Zika virus infection (the virus has cleared her body) will have Zika-related pregnancy complications in the future. Based on information about similar infections, once a person has been infected with the Zika virus and has cleared the virus from his or her body, he or she is likely to be protected from future Zika infections.

If you’re thinking about having a baby soon and you or your partner live in or traveled to an area with the risk of Zika, talk with your doctor or another healthcare provider. See Women & Their Partners Trying to Become Pregnant.

Q: How should insect repellents be used on children to prevent mosquito bites and the viruses that some mosquitoes can spread?

A: When using insect repellent on your child always follow label instructions. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old. Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin. Adults should spray insect repellent onto their hands and then apply it to a child’s face.

Q: What should I do if I am sick, or a family member is sick, with Zika?

A: Many people infected with the Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms lasting several days to a week. If you have symptoms of Zika (fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, or muscle pain) and you live in or recently traveled to an area with risk of Zika, you should see your doctor or healthcare provider and tell him or her about your symptoms and recent travel. There is no specific medicine for Zika, but you can treat the symptoms. If you are diagnosed with Zika, protect those around you by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites and to prevent sexual transmission of Zika. Because Zika can generally be found in the blood during approximately the first week of infection and can be passed to another person through mosquito bites, help prevent others from getting sick by strictly following steps to prevent mosquito bites during the first week of illness.

Read FAQs


A. No, Zika virus is not spread through casual contact such as shaking hands or sharing food. The primary modes of transmission are through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, sexual contact, and from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. Blood transfusion is a rare mode of transmission, but Zika cannot spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching.

A. If you have symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, or headache and have recently traveled to an area with Zika risk, you should consult your healthcare provider. Your doctor may recommend testing to confirm the presence of the virus. While there is no specific treatment for Zika, managing symptoms with rest, fluids, and pain relievers like acetaminophen is advised. Be sure to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites to prevent spreading the virus to others.

A. Couples should take precautions when planning pregnancy after Zika infection. It is recommended that men wait at least six months after symptoms or exposure, and women wait at least two months. This helps minimize the risk of the virus affecting future pregnancies. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on your circumstances

Read Blog
Monthly masseuse

Masseuse Visits: How Monthly Stress Relief Camps Improve Workplace Well-Being

Stress has become one of the most common health challenges of modern life. Long working hours, screen exposure, sedentary routines and emotional pressures create a constant state of physical and mental tension. Over time, this stress accumulates and begins to affect sleep, productivity, immunity and emotional stability. This is why masseuse visits through monthly stress relief camps are emerging as a valuable wellness intervention.

These camps are not about luxury or indulgence. They are structured, preventive wellness initiatives designed to help people relax, reset and restore balance in their bodies and minds.

 

Why Stress Needs Structured Management

Stress is not always visible, but its impact is real.

Chronic stress contributes to:

  • muscle tension and body pain
     

  • headaches and migraines
     

  • anxiety and irritability
     

  • sleep disturbances
     

  • weakened immunity
     

According to WHO, unmanaged stress is a significant risk factor for both physical and mental health disorders.

 

What Are Monthly Stress Relief Camps?

Monthly stress relief camps are organised wellness sessions that focus on relaxation-based therapies. Massage visits form a central component of these camps, where trained therapists provide structured massage sessions aimed at relieving physical tension and calming the nervous system.

These camps typically include:

  • short therapeutic massage sessions
     

  • guided relaxation techniques
     

  • posture awareness
     

  • breathing exercises
     

They are designed to be accessible, time-efficient and safe.

How Massage Therapy Reduces Stress

Massage works through multiple biological pathways.

Nervous System Regulation

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and recovery. This helps:

  • lower heart rate
     

  • reduce blood pressure
     

  • calm the mind
     

 

Reduction of Stress Hormones

Studies show massage lowers cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.

Lower cortisol is linked to:

  • improved mood
     

  • better sleep
     

  • enhanced immune response
     

 

Muscle Relaxation

Long hours of sitting or standing cause muscle stiffness.

Massage helps by:

  • improving blood flow
     

  • releasing muscle knots
     

  • reducing stiffness
     

This improves physical comfort.

 

Mental Health Benefits of Masseuse Visits

Mental health is closely tied to physical relaxation.

Regular massage sessions:

  • reduce anxiety
     

  • promote calmness
     

  • improve emotional stability
     

  • enhance overall mood
     

Lancet research highlights the role of physical relaxation techniques in supporting mental health outcomes.

 

Why Monthly Frequency Matters

One-time relaxation is not enough.

Monthly camps:

  • provide consistent relief
     

  • prevent stress buildup
     

  • encourage routine self-care
     

Consistency is the foundation of preventive wellness.

 

Who Benefits from Stress Relief Camps?

These camps benefit:

  • working professionals
     

  • caregivers
     

  • students
     

  • frontline workers
     

  • individuals with sedentary lifestyles
     

Anyone experiencing chronic stress can benefit.

 

Workplace Impact of Stress

Workplace stress affects both individuals and organisations.

It leads to:

  • reduced productivity
     

  • burnout
     

  • absenteeism
     

  • poor job satisfaction
     

NITI Aayog reports emphasize the need for preventive wellness initiatives at workplaces.

 

How Masseuse Visits Improve Workplace Wellness

Enhanced Focus and Productivity

Relaxed muscles and a calm mind improve concentration.

 

Reduced Musculoskeletal Pain

Massage addresses:

  • neck pain
     

  • shoulder tension
     

  • lower back discomfort
     

Common in desk-based roles.

 

Better Sleep Quality

Stress relief improves sleep, which further enhances mental clarity.

 

Positive Workplace Culture

Wellness initiatives show employees that their health matters.

 

Physical Health Benefits Beyond Relaxation

Massage therapy improves:

  • circulation
     

  • lymphatic drainage
     

  • joint mobility
     

  • posture awareness
     

These benefits reduce long-term health risks.

 

Safety and Professional Standards

Masseuse visits in stress relief camps should:

  • use trained professionals
     

  • follow hygiene protocols
     

  • offer non-invasive techniques
     

  • respect personal boundaries
     

Safety and dignity are essential.

 

Integration with Preventive Healthcare

Stress relief camps complement:

  • health screenings
     

  • mental health counseling
     

  • nutrition programs
     

  • fitness initiatives
     

They form part of a holistic wellness ecosystem.

 

How Monthly Camps Encourage Self-Care

Many people ignore early stress signals.

Regular wellness camps:

  • normalize self-care
     

  • promote early intervention
     

  • reduce stigma around mental health
     

This proactive approach prevents burnout.

 

Measuring the Impact of Stress Relief Camps

Impact can be assessed through:

  • stress level surveys
     

  • absenteeism rates
     

  • employee feedback
     

  • productivity metrics
     

Data helps refine future programs.

 

Long-Term Value of Stress Relief Programs

Over time, organisations notice:

  • improved morale
     

  • reduced healthcare costs
     

  • higher engagement
     

  • stronger loyalty
     

Preventive care always costs less than treatment.

 

Common Myths About Massage-Based Wellness

Myth: Massage is only for luxury

Reality: It is a validated stress management technique.

Myth: It is temporary relief

Reality: Regular sessions offer cumulative benefits.

Myth: Only physical benefits exist

Reality: Mental and emotional benefits are equally important.

 

Why Holistic Stress Management Matters

Stress affects:

  • hormones
     

  • digestion
     

  • immunity
     

  • sleep
     

  • emotional regulation
     

Addressing it holistically leads to lasting improvement.

 

Conclusion

Masseuse visits through monthly stress relief camps offer far more than temporary relaxation. They represent a structured, preventive approach to managing stress, enhancing mental well-being and supporting physical health. In a world where burnout is becoming increasingly common, consistent wellness interventions help individuals reset, recharge and regain balance. By investing in regular stress relief programs, communities and organisations build healthier, happier and more resilient individuals.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Stress and Mental Health Reports
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle and Stress Research
  • NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Preventive Healthcare Reports
  • Lancet – Stress, Burnout and Mental Health Studies
  • Statista – Global Workplace Wellness Trends
  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic