With heightened media coverage on Zika virus, it’s only natural to feel anxious. But it’s important to know the facts. Here are the top five:

1. Most people who contract Zika don’t experience any symptoms. For those who do, the effects most commonly include mild fever, muscle aches and rash. It’s rare to see people develop issues that require them to go to the hospital.

2. Most people get Zika virus from a mosquito bite. Although, sexual transmission is possible through both vaginal and anal sex. Expectant mothers infected with Zika virus can pass it to their fetus through the umbilical cord or at the time of delivery.

3. Being pregnant does not make you more vulnerable to contracting the virus. But, if you are infected with Zika and pass it on to your baby, there is a greater risk of birth defects.

4. Vaccines and treatments are being investigated. There currently is no medication available to prevent or treat Zika infection. Symptoms can be treated with plenty of rest and fluids, and acetaminophen for fever. If you are pregnant, you will continue to undergo regular monitoring to watch for fetal abnormalities after the symptoms have passed.

5. The best way to protect yourself is to limit your exposure by not traveling to countries affected by Zika outbreaks. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and must travel to an affected area should wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants to limit skin exposure, stay indoors in a screened-in and/or air-conditioned room as much as possible, use mosquito netting, and apply Environmental Protection Agency-approved bug spray with DEET or permethrin.

For more information on Zika virus, visit hopkinsmedicine.org/zika-virus.