Treatment
There is currently no treatment that can kill the West Nile virus. Antibiotics and other medications are not effective for West Nile virus. Thus, the treatment for the West Nile Virus is supportive care. Supportive Care focuses on providing relief for symptoms as the body fights the virus.
Treatment in Mild Cases
These cases include mild symptoms, also known as West Nile Virus, that last from a few days to several weeks. For these cases, treatment includes
-Resting in Bed
-Drinking plenty of Fluids
-Taking medication, like aspirin, to relieve fever and discomfort
Treatment in Severe Cases
These cases include more serious diseases, such as West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis, or West Nile meningoencephalitis. When more serious symptoms occur such as severe headaches or confusion, medical attention is immediately necessary. For these cases, treatment requires hospitalization for intensive supportive care which includes
-Intravenous fluids (IV)
-Medication to control seizures, nausea, vomiting, or brain swelling
-Breathing support from a ventilator
-Prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, UTIs, etc.)
-Good nursing care
Make sure you call your doctor if you notice any sign of the virus and
-You have breathing/heart problems
-You feel sick and don't seem to get better
-You have high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, or other serious symptoms of West Nile Virus
-You are worried about your health
-You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Treatment in Mild Cases
These cases include mild symptoms, also known as West Nile Virus, that last from a few days to several weeks. For these cases, treatment includes
-Resting in Bed
-Drinking plenty of Fluids
-Taking medication, like aspirin, to relieve fever and discomfort
Treatment in Severe Cases
These cases include more serious diseases, such as West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis, or West Nile meningoencephalitis. When more serious symptoms occur such as severe headaches or confusion, medical attention is immediately necessary. For these cases, treatment requires hospitalization for intensive supportive care which includes
-Intravenous fluids (IV)
-Medication to control seizures, nausea, vomiting, or brain swelling
-Breathing support from a ventilator
-Prevention of secondary infections (pneumonia, UTIs, etc.)
-Good nursing care
Make sure you call your doctor if you notice any sign of the virus and
-You have breathing/heart problems
-You feel sick and don't seem to get better
-You have high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, or other serious symptoms of West Nile Virus
-You are worried about your health
-You are pregnant or breastfeeding
