Monkeypox
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral illness. The monkeypox virus is related to the smallpox virus. Monkeypox symptoms resemble smallpox, but are milder and rarely fatal. The two are unrelated. Additionally,
- Monkeypox is a virus-caused disease, it is related to smallpox virus.
- Monkeypox is milder than smallpox and rarely fatal. Monkeypox and chickenpox are unrelated.
How monkeypox spreads
Monkeypox can spread to anyone who comes into close contact, often skin-to-skin, with someone who has it, including;
- Direct contact with a person with monkeypox’s rash, scabs, or body fluids.
- Touching things, fabrics (like clothes, sheets, or towels), and surfaces that someone with monkeypox has used.
- Contact with secretions from the lungs.
monkeypox Signs and Symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore muscles and a sore back
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Symptoms in the lungs (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
- A rash that could be on or near the genitalia (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole), but could also be on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
- Before getting better, the rash will go through a few stages, such as getting scabs.
- The rash can look like pimples or blisters and may hurt or itch.
How to treat monkeypox
There are no particular therapies for monkeypox virus infections.
But because the viruses that cause monkeypox and smallpox are genetically similar, antiviral drugs and vaccines made to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections.
Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be prescribed for people who are more prone to getting very sick, such as those with compromised immune systems.
Even if you don’t believe you have had contact with someone who has monkeypox, you should see your doctor if you develop symptoms.
How to prevent monkeypox
Have safe sex. If you or your partner think you may have monkeypox, the best way to protect yourself and others is to avoid sex of any kind (oral, anal, vaginal). Do not kiss or touch each other’s bodies while you are sick, especially if there is a rash.
ARTICLE SOURCE:
CDC. “Monkeypox in the U.S.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov, 29 July 2022,
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