CIENCIASMEDICASNEWS: Men and Zika | Zika Virus

martes, 22 de agosto de 2017

Use condoms or don’t have sex for the entire pregnancy

After travel to an area with risk of Zika, use condoms every time you have sex for the entire pregnancy. To be effective, condoms should be used from start to finish, every time during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Not having sex eliminates the risk of sexually transmitting Zika to your partner. It is important to help protect your partner throughout her pregnancy because:
- You may have been infected with Zika and not know it, since it often does not cause symptoms.
- There is no available test to know if you have Zika in your semen or how likely you are to pass Zika through sex. Zika can stay in your semen and may be passed to your partner (and the fetus) for months after infection, even if you have no symptoms.
- Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
Pregnancy and Zika

Wait at least 6 months before trying to conceive

After travel to an area with risk of Zika, wait at least 6 months after you return, or after symptoms start (if you develop symptoms), before trying to conceive with your partner.
During this time, use condoms to help protect your partner from getting Zika through sex.
Protect your partner so she can have a healthy pregnancy
- You may have been infected with Zika and not know it, since it often does not cause symptoms.
- There is no available test to know if you have Zika in your semen or how likely you are to pass Zika through sex. Zika can stay in your semen and may be passed to your partner (and the fetus) for months after infection, even if you have no symptoms.
- If your partner becomes pregnant and infected with Zika, it can cause serious birth defects.

For more about Zika risks and considerations

Consider using condoms or not having sex for at least 6 months

The 6-month period should start when you return from travel or after symptoms start, if you develop symptoms.
This will help protect your partner from getting Zika through sex if you’re infected and don’t know it. Condoms are the only method for preventing both pregnancy and the spread of Zika.
If you or your partner has symptoms of Zika or have concerns, talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider.

Most children infected with Zika have no symptoms or have only mild illness, similar to adults with Zika infection.
CDC’s travel guidance for areas with risk of Zika applies to infants and children, as well as adults. However, there are special things to consider when protecting your baby or child from mosquito bites. See What Parents Should Know about Zika.

See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you have fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, or muscle pain and you have recently traveled to an area with risk of Zika.
- Tell the doctor or other healthcare provider about your travel history or possible exposure.
- A blood or urine test can identify Zika infection. See more information on testing for Zika.
Take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.
Don’t take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), like ibuprofen until a healthcare provider diagnoses your condition and can rule out the possibility that you have dengue. Dengue is another disease spread by mosquitoes that causes symptoms similar to Zika and can cause internal bleeding. NSAIDS can increase the risk of bleeding if you have dengue.
If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider before taking other medicines.
Make sure to take precautions to prevent the spread of Zika.
- Use insect repellent to prevent spreading Zika to mosquitoes around you
- Consider using condoms for at least 6 months after symptoms start (or for the entire pregnancy, if your partner is pregnant) to help protect your partner.