West nile virus medical therapy

Overview
Because this illness is not caused by bacteria, antibiotics do not help treat West Nile virus infection. At this time, there are no FDA-approved shots or medicines to stop or treat West Nile Virus infection. Most people with mild symptoms get better without any treatment. Use of over-the-counter pain relievers may assist during this period of infection. People with severe West Nile Virus infections may need to go to the hospital. Severe cases of West Nile Virus may be treated with intravenous fluids and prophylactic care to prevent the onset of other infections, like pneumonia.

There are also some therapies associated with West Nile Virus in case of the development of severe, related diseases.

Physical therapy
There are some brain injuries associated with West Nile Virus. These injuries include encephalitis and meningitis. These brain injuries can result in: These treatments must be individualized for each patient because the symptoms and severity can differ. A physical therapist can be instrumental in helping to re-develop muscles. A therapist can help with the following goals: Therapists can also assist with:
 * Cognitive delays
 * Gross motor delays
 * Fine motor delays
 * Increased muscle tone
 * Poor endurance
 * Weakness
 * Decreased sensation
 * Exercises helping with
 * Muscle reeducation
 * Improvement of strength
 * Endurance
 * Coordination
 * Balance
 * Gait training
 * Mobility training
 * Transfer training

Speech therapy
There are speech problems that may develop in association with West Nile Virus. These include:
 * Dysphagia
 * Aphasia
 * Dysarthria

Speech therapy would have a few specific goals in mind. These include:
 * Improve ability to swallow
 * Help patients recover speech and language function
 * Prevent complications such as
 * Aspiration pneumonia

Occupational therapy
This therapy focuses on improving day to day life of these West Nile Virus patients. These daily activities include:
 * Bathing
 * Dressing
 * Hygiene maintenance
 * Feeding

They also address issues that can interfere with a patients ability to function independently.