Asher Ricard

Help! I Am Scared I Have West Nile Virus



Posted: Monday, June 08, 2009

by

It is that time of the year again when the mosquitoes are out in full force. Those who live near bayous, lakes or even have a swimming pool know what a pain mosquitoes can be this time of year.

Over the last few years, the United States has seen an increase of a virus that is carried by mosquitoes. That virus is the West Nile Virus. Many times, birds will be found dead from the virus, but the last few years West Nile has been found in humans as well.

We recently went camping and I have to admit we came home looking like food for the mosquitoes. Despite the amount of spray and coils lit, we still found ourselves being eaten up by the pests. This, of course, has led to panic for our hypochondriac family. After much research, this is the information you need to know if you fear that you have West Nile.

Go To Doctor

If you truly suspect that you have it: go to the doctor immediately. Only they can diagnose the west nile virus.

Symptoms

It usually takes three to 14 days before symptoms appear. What to watch out for is: fever, skin rash, headache, body ache, pain in your eyes, tiredness, stomachaches, not hungry and swollen glands. If you have the mild form of the virus you could have fever for five days, a headache for ten days and feel tired for over a month.

Sever infections

The West Nile Virus can cause some dangerous conditions in some people. Symptoms to watch out for are stiff neck, tremors or convulsions, paralysis, coma, high fever, and disorientation.

Now the good news, most people (80 out of 100 to be exact) do not ever have symptoms. Elderly and children are the ones who have the highest chances of being effected by the virus. West Nile also tends to go away on its own. Only severe cases can cause brain or spinal cord injury leading to hospitalization.

For the most part, if you contract West Nile, your body can fight it off. Therefore, there is no reason to panic. If you think you have contracted the virus, call your doctor and schedule to be tested. Then rest up so your body can do its job.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by randy johnson
from florida pleasant grove 138 days 18 hours ago.
how many days does it useally take to go away

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