This is a disease you are likely familiar with – probably not from personal experience, but because it was splashed over media headlines for the better part of a year.
Zika literally erupted on the scene in 2016 when it turned into a global threat, permeating Africa, South Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, the Pacific and South America. The outbreak caused more than half a million suspected cases.
Zika is notorious for its effects on fetuses, causing a defect called microcephaly, and other brain defects. During its 2016 outbreak, more than 3,700 congenital birth defects were reported as a result of it.
The good news? Reported cases have declined significantly since 2016. And if you are not pregnant or considering becoming pregnant in the near future, you should pull through Zika just fine.
Zika is spread through mosquito bites, and many people infected will have mild symptoms. Symptoms can last several days to a week, and once you've been infected, you are likely to become immune from future infections.
If you've been infected with Zika, the best thing to do is to get plenty of rest and hydrate. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatories.