So, Drew and I have been trying to conceive now since August 2015. I thought for sure I'd be pregnant by now - so, needless to say, I am a little disappointed. Drew and I have been accumulating baby stuff. At first we said that we would wait until I actually got pregnant before physically acquiring stuff. But we are constantly checking Kijiji (our favorite store) and we keep coming up on free stuff! So, we take it. Our storage room downstairs is half-full with items including a crib, change table, dresser, bassinet, swing, vibrating chair and a play pen.
I am 33 years old, so I guess it's no surprise that it's taking a little longer than expected. I have some friends where it took 9 months to a year and a half before it happened to them. I just need to be patient and wait my turn. It will come... eventually.... I hope.
I can't wait to join mommy groups in my community. I wish there were pre-mommy groups - groups of women/couples who are trying to conceive but just aren't quite there yet supporting each other through the first leg of the journey. That's one of the reasons why I started this blog.
No egg meeting sperm just yet - but you'll all be among the first people who find out when I do get pregnant.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Zika virus
What is it?
Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito.
Symptoms?
Only 20-25% of people infected with the Zika virus are believed to develop symptoms. People who are infected with the Zika virus will commonly experience the following symptoms:
Treatment?
There is no vaccine or medication used to treat the Zika virus. Treatment is generally limited to symptom relief.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who can be bitten by a mosquito and anyone who lives in or travels to an area where the Zika virus is found and has not already been infected with Zika virus.
What countries have Zika?
Zika virus has been reported in Africa and parts of Asia since the 1950s and in the southwestern Pacific Ocean in 2007. In 2015, the Zika virus has emerged in South America with widespread outbreaks reported in Brazil and Colombia. For the latest updates on countries affected by Zika virus, visit the World Health Organization website.
Risk to Canadians?
Based on the Agency's Rapid Risk Assessment, the overall risk to Canadians in Canada is very low as mosquitoes known to transmit the virus are not established in Canada and are not well suited to our climate. There is a small risk to Canadian travellers to affected countries. However, pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should take special precautions.
Pregnant women and women considering becoming pregnant women.
It is recommended that these women discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating. If travel cannot be postponed, then talk to a travel health clinic to discuss preventative measures that can be taken while away.
What's the link between the Zika virus and Microcephaly or Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
In November 2015, a Brazilian investigation indicated an average 20 fold increase in the incidence of microcephaly (abnormally small head) among newborns in areas where Zika virus was known to be in circulation. Additionally, an association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré Syndrome has been observed in a few countries where the Zika virus is actively circulating. Investigations to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infections and these conditions are ongoing.
Click here for more information on microcephaly or Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Canadian blood services and blood donations.
The Canadian blood services is carefully monitoring the Zika virus and have revised their eligibility criteria for donors accordingly.
All information presented here are sourced from the following sites:
Public Health Agency of Canada. Public health notice - Zika virus. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2016/zika-eng.php
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Zika virus. http://www.cdc.gov/zika/disease-qa.html
Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito.
Symptoms?
Only 20-25% of people infected with the Zika virus are believed to develop symptoms. People who are infected with the Zika virus will commonly experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Treatment?
There is no vaccine or medication used to treat the Zika virus. Treatment is generally limited to symptom relief.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who can be bitten by a mosquito and anyone who lives in or travels to an area where the Zika virus is found and has not already been infected with Zika virus.
What countries have Zika?
Zika virus has been reported in Africa and parts of Asia since the 1950s and in the southwestern Pacific Ocean in 2007. In 2015, the Zika virus has emerged in South America with widespread outbreaks reported in Brazil and Colombia. For the latest updates on countries affected by Zika virus, visit the World Health Organization website.
Risk to Canadians?
Based on the Agency's Rapid Risk Assessment, the overall risk to Canadians in Canada is very low as mosquitoes known to transmit the virus are not established in Canada and are not well suited to our climate. There is a small risk to Canadian travellers to affected countries. However, pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should take special precautions.
Pregnant women and women considering becoming pregnant women.
It is recommended that these women discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating. If travel cannot be postponed, then talk to a travel health clinic to discuss preventative measures that can be taken while away.
What's the link between the Zika virus and Microcephaly or Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
In November 2015, a Brazilian investigation indicated an average 20 fold increase in the incidence of microcephaly (abnormally small head) among newborns in areas where Zika virus was known to be in circulation. Additionally, an association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré Syndrome has been observed in a few countries where the Zika virus is actively circulating. Investigations to better understand the relationship between Zika virus infections and these conditions are ongoing.
Click here for more information on microcephaly or Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Canadian blood services and blood donations.
The Canadian blood services is carefully monitoring the Zika virus and have revised their eligibility criteria for donors accordingly.
All information presented here are sourced from the following sites:
Public Health Agency of Canada. Public health notice - Zika virus. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/phn-asp/2016/zika-eng.php
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Zika virus. http://www.cdc.gov/zika/disease-qa.html
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