What is the Zika virus? More importantly, how can you protect yourself and your children from this virus?Talk about the Zika virus is everywhere. The CDC is advising pregnant women to avoid travel to several countries in order to prevent risk to their unborn babies. With all of the reports of cases of the Zika virus, you may wonder what it actually is. The Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). The illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe symptoms requiring hospitalization is uncommon. While the illness is usually mild in adults, it can produce complications in newborn babies. Listen in as Corinn Cross, MD, discusses how to protect yourself and your children from the Zika virus.