{"id":1983,"date":"2018-07-13T04:29:47","date_gmt":"2018-07-13T04:29:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=1983"},"modified":"2021-03-17T19:11:10","modified_gmt":"2021-03-17T19:11:10","slug":"12-common-symptoms-of-west-nile-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/12-common-symptoms-of-west-nile-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Common Symptoms of West Nile Virus"},"content":{"rendered":"

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West Nile Virus is a viral infection that\u2019s most commonly transmitted to humans through mosquito bites; in many ways, it is similar to malaria, and if you know that you will be travelling to an area that has heavy mosquito cover, then you will automatically be at a higher risk and should prepare accordingly. Preparing for a mosquito-heavy area includes precautionary measures such as packing a mosquito net and making sure you have mosquito repellent.<\/p>\n

There are some ways in which West Nile Virus can be similar to malaria: But the one huge difference between the two is the fact that you cannot be vaccinated against the West Nile Virus. This means that it can be very dangerous and even fatal if you were to pick it up and it wasn\u2019t diagnosed in time for treatment. Here are 12 of the most common symptoms that you might experience as a result of West Nile Virus and how to alleviate the symptoms.<\/p>\n

1. Headache<\/h3>\n

A constant, nagging headache<\/a> is one of the first symptoms that you might experience as a result of contracting West Nile Virus; there are several reasons why you might get a headache. The first is the fact that it\u2019s a symptom of the disease itself, and the second reason is the fact that you will be very likely to dehydrate as a result of the condition:<\/p>\n

This means that your body will literally dry itself out, and if you\u2019re not replenishing fluid at a rapid enough rate then your organs could start shutting down. But be extremely careful with self-diagnosis: If you have a severe headache, then you shouldn\u2019t jump to think you know exactly what could be the cause of the headache \u2013 especially if the condition eventually becomes chronic. See your doctor if you are experiencing a sudden headache, and especially if the headache doesn\u2019t go away with time.<\/p>\n

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2. Fever<\/h3>\n

Fever<\/a> is the body\u2019s natural way of trying to fight infection, and a higher-than-normal temperature means that your body is literally trying to create a living condition that would not be habitable for a virus. It\u2019s your body\u2019s first-line defence against any form of disease or infection. But though fevers are useful to the body when they happen, they can also be exceptionally dangers.<\/p>\n

A fever puts extreme stress on the body and organs like the lungs and heart, and they could make your organs shut down. Yes, a fever can very well kill you. The first course of action for a fever is to bring the fever down and then to fight the infection that\u2019s causing it. In most cases, a course of paracetamol is enough to break a fever \u2013 but if it isn\u2019t, then you should rope in the help of a medical professional, especially if you suspect that the cause could be West Nile Virus.<\/p>\n

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3. Appetite Loss<\/h3>\n

Generally, the symptoms of West Nile Virus mirrors flu-like symptoms, which means that very few people realize they might be struck down with the virus<\/a> when it happens. The only way to tell is through properly done medical tests, so if you have been experiencing any unusual symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor so that they can find the root cause of your symptoms \u2013 and treat them if it turns out to be more than flu.<\/p>\n

One of the most characteristics symptoms that there\u2019s something wrong with your body that you need to get checked out by your doctor is a sudden change in your diet \u2013 either a sudden urge to eat too much, or a sudden loss of appetite where you don\u2019t want to eat at all. You should take note of any type of appetite loss, as it can accompany many diseases and disorders \u2013 of which West Nile Virus is one.<\/p>\n

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6. Rash<\/h3>\n

Experiencing a sudden rash<\/a> is not one of the most common symptoms of West Nile Virus, but it does happen to a certain cross-section of patients, warranting its inclusion on this list. The rash can be anywhere on the body, and it can vary in terms of severity. It might start small or it might start big, you might even see a rash spread gradually.<\/p>\n

Having a rash doesn\u2019t mean that you should automatically jump to the conclusion that you have West Nile Virus: But if you can combine several symptoms on this list with the fact that you have recently been in an area heavily populated by mosquitoes, then you have reason to worry. Make an appointment with your doctor and mention that you have been travelling to or frequenting an area (or areas) where you could have been exposed to the virus. Your doctor will choose the best course of action, including testing, from there.<\/p>\n

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7. Nausea<\/h3>\n

Nausea<\/a> will almost certainly be part of your symptoms if you have contacted the West Nile Virus; it might happen in combination with some of the other symptoms that we\u2019ve gone through on this list, or it could happen on its own \u2013 and it could be constant nausea or it could instead come in waves. That makes it hard to pinpoint, and you should always give your doctor a complete list of the symptoms you have been experiencing so that they can make an accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n

General gastrointestinal upsets are also characteristic of West Nile Virus infections, and could manifest with symptoms like stomach cramps or a running stomach which conventional treatments might not be able to halt. Being nauseous doesn\u2019t automatically mean West Nile Virus, but constant nausea points to the fact that there could be something else that\u2019s wrong with your health and has to be checked out.<\/p>\n

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8. Flu-like Symptoms<\/h3>\n

In the most cases of West Nile Virus infection<\/a>, you will experience symptoms that mirror the flu: This includes the symptoms everybody knows pretty well, like a fever or night sweats, a stuffed nose, constantly aching throat and coughing. There are more severe symptoms that can be associated with either, though most cases of West Nile Virus will manifest only with flulike symptoms and manage to resolve itself with a course or two of antibiotics.<\/p>\n

But this is not always the case, and sometimes infections are much more severe and leaves your body an open target to a range of infections that your body can\u2019t handle at that point in time. If you\u2019re experiencing long-term flu like symptoms, or flu-like symptoms that feel somewhat like flu though at the same time like no type of flu you have ever had before, then it\u2019s time to make an appointment with your doctor to take a closer look at the symptoms.<\/p>\n

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9. Swelling in the Lymph Nodes<\/h3>\n

If you have picked up any kind of infection, there are a few telltale signs that your body is trying to fight it from the inside out. This is usually what doctors will look for when they are trying to make a diagnosis. One of the symptoms that you should look for when your body is trying to fight a general infection is that you might experience some swelling<\/a> in the lymph nodes.<\/p>\n

This might be moderate to severe, but any sign of swelling in the nodes signals that there\u2019s something wrong with your body that needs to be taken care of. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have been noticing any changes like this that take place in your body so that the problem can be addressed. Lymph node swelling is your body\u2019s way of trying to rid itself of toxins. O f course, don\u2019t press lymph nodes too hard \u2013 this could make them drain infection directly into the bloodstream.<\/p>\n

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10. Asymptomatic West Nile Virus<\/h3>\n

In approximately 20% of cases, West Nile Virus manifests with very little to absolutely no symptoms<\/a> \u2013 meaning that the disease is largely asymptomatic. This is the most dangerous type of the disease, because you won\u2019t know that you have it \u2013 and you won\u2019t necessarily know that it should be treated. Then how on earth are you ever going to know that you are sick in the first place?<\/p>\n

First, remember things like West Nile Virus and Malaria if you are going to be travelling to or frequenting an area that will be heavily populated by mosquitoes: This will already help if you do pick up the virus and do not show any symptoms, because your doctor \u2013 if advised by you that you are at risk \u2013 will know more or less what to look for. This is the same when it comes to any exotic diseases tied to certain areas: Always, and we mean always, mention it to your doctor.<\/p>\n

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11. Excessive Sweating<\/h3>\n

Excessive sweating may or may not accompany a fever; it can be a symptom all by itself. This often goes along with the other symptoms of West Nile Virus, and this symptom is exactly the same as you might experience if you had tick bite fever or malaria. Everyone knows fever chills<\/a> and night sweats, and this is part of your body\u2019s way of trying to purge infection and keep your body safe.<\/p>\n

But you should remember that excessive sweating is bound to dehydrate you quicker than you can replenish fluids, and it could lead to the symptoms hitting you much harder. If your immune system is compromised to this level, you could be more prone to develop infections of other types at the same time. Excessive sweating warrants an appointment with your doctor \u2013 it might be a glandular problem, your diet or your environment \u2013 but it could also be something much more serious.<\/p>\n

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12. Meningitis<\/h3>\n

In short, meningitis<\/a> can be described as an infection which travels directly to the brain \u2013 and this is not just a symptom of severe West Nile Virus infection, but also a complete sub-type of West Nile Virus infection. This is one that goes beyond the mild level of infection that most people experience, and instead takes the symptoms straight to one of the most important parts of the body: The brain.<\/p>\n

This happens in very, very few percent of cases \u2013 but when it does switch over the meningitis, then you are in serious danger and it will most likely be fatal unless you are able to find medical attention in time and go through the entire treatment regimen \u2013 and even then the odds are already stacked against you. Some of the symptoms of this type of West Nile Virus includes headaches, confusion and sudden mood changes combined with many of the symptoms on this list.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Muscle Tremors<\/h3>\n

The West Nile virus acts on the nervous system<\/a>, causing all sorts of disruptions in the body. One of the most common advanced symptoms of the infection is muscle tremors. Muscle tremors occur in conjunction with fever, sweating, and delirium, and if left untreated, the affected individual may progress into a coma. <\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll notice the patient develops muscle tremors when their legs and arms start to spasm uncontrollably. The infected person may not even realize that they are exhibiting this behavior, and they require round-the-clock observation to ensure they\u2019re recovering from the infection. Failing to identify these tremors puts the patient at risk of progressing to the final stage of the disease, which results in seizure and death. <\/span><\/p>\n

Doctors treat these symptoms by administering drugs that help the nervous system deal with the effects of the virus. This stage of the infection is critical, and most people will recover before these symptoms present.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"14. Partial Paralysis<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another advanced symptom of West Nile Virus is partial paralysis<\/a>. This symptom occurs due to the stress on the nervous system. The brain is so busy dealing with the effects of the infection, that it starts to shut down parts of the nervous system to conserve energy to fight the disease. <\/span><\/p>\n

This effect eventually results in partial paralysis which can affect one side of the body, the lower half of the body, or the upper limbs. Symptoms vary depending on the individual situation and no set process involved in shutting down a specific side or body part. At this stage of the disease, the patient is in a critical state, and they may run the risk of developing seizures that result in brain damage or death. <\/span><\/p>\n

Most people, including travelers that contract the disease, will receive the treatment they need to reverse the condition before thy stat to receive symptoms of partial paralysis, muscle tremors or seizure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"15. Seizure<\/h3>\n

Individuals infected with the West Nile Virus from a mosquito carrying the disease notice symptoms start to develop within 48-hours. The initial symptoms of the disease are very similar to malaria<\/a>, and most people will recognize the signs of the disease and seek medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, some people may not understand what they are dealing with and may think they have contracted the flu or a minor infection. Therefore, they decide to leave treatment and rest, hoping that the infection clears overnight. Unfortunately, this strategy wastes valuable hours, and not receiving a diagnosis and treatment may affect your outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the final stages of the disease, the nervous system quits on the body, resulting in seizures as the infection reaches the brain, disrupting electrical communications. By the time these symptoms occur, the patient is a lost cause, and the chances of them recovering from the virus are slim at best. Doctors will do everything they can to save the patient, but it may be too late.<\/span>\r\n

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