What to expect from a GP consultation for Zika virus infection

Tell your GP where and when you travelled, whether you had mosquito bites, and when fever, rash, red eyes, joint pain or headache began. Mention sexual exposure, pregnancy, plans for pregnancy and any partner who has travelled. These details affect advice because Zika can spread through mosquitoes and sexual contact, and infection during pregnancy can affect the developing baby. Your GP may check your temperature, skin, eyes, joints and general condition. Testing is considered case by case.

Use mosquito-bite prevention such as covering clothing and repellent suited to you, and follow sexual-health advice from your clinician. Rest and drink fluids. Tell the GP about pregnancy or a possibility of pregnancy at the start of the consultation. Do not self-start medicines without checking that they are appropriate, especially if dengue or another infection has not been excluded. Keep your travel dates and symptom timeline available.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or rapid worsening. Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant and develop symptoms after possible exposure, or if a baby or young child becomes unwell. Emergency symptoms should not wait for routine test results.

Ask whether testing is appropriate, how long precautions should continue, which pain or fever medicines are suitable, and whether sexual partners need advice. If pregnant or planning pregnancy, ask how follow-up will be arranged and which symptoms need immediate review.