Unless you’ve been living in the world’s most secluded area for the past nearly three years, you’ll likely be very acquainted with COVID-19 and the havoc it has caused globally. Images of empty office buildings, mobile testing sites, and masks have been all over the news since COVID-19 broke on the scene in December of 2019.
Much to the dismay of almost everyone, monkeypox is a new virus on the scene that is circulating alongside COVID-19. Health organizations are now sounding the alarm about this new virus and the potential health complications associated with it.
So, what do you need to know about monkeypox, and how can you protect yourself and your loved ones from it? Check out the answers below!
Paseo Nuevo Urgent Care is here to provide health services and treatment to families in El Paso. Call us at (915) 777-3493 to learn more about what we have to offer!
What Is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a relatively rare virus that causes patients an often-painful set of symptoms. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, but monkeypox is much less virulent and fatal. Despite being milder than smallpox, monkeypox is still a virus you do not want to catch. Contrary to the belief of some, it is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox was first discovered in monkeys being kept for research in Denmark, but it is thought that monkeypox may have originated in certain species of African rodents. It was discovered in 1958, and the globe has battled against several potential outbreaks of it since then.
As you may know by now, the dominant characteristic of monkeypox is a rash that often appears near the genital or anus area. The rash also commonly appears near the mouth, chest, feet, and face, among other areas. The rash has different stages of progression and can be quite itchy or painful.
Those with monkeypox may experience other symptoms like the following:
- Exhaustion
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Chills
The amount and order of symptoms people experience vary widely, but most will likely have a rash plus a few of the symptoms listed above. The symptoms usually start within 2-3 weeks of being exposed, and people can spread it from the time they have any symptoms until they have fully healed from any rashes.
What Makes Monkeypox A Threat?
The biggest issue associated with monkeypox is how it spreads. Monkeypox can be spread through close contact with others, which can often be difficult to avoid. However, it seems that it spreads mostly through intimate, skin-to-skin contact.
Further, monkeypox can be spread by touching garments or other objects used by someone with monkeypox. Some experts believe that monkeypox may be airborne as well, like COVID-19, but there is no consensus on this hypothesis.
The other big issue is the length of time that people can be infectious. People are often infectious for many days or weeks, which means the virus has many chances to transfer between people. For those whose profession involves being exposed to people regularly, it can be a challenge to avoid it.
As we are now seeing, the number of cases has already ballooned from a few dozen to a few thousand in the span of weeks. To keep the number of cases as low as possible, governments and individuals will need to implement measures to reduce the spread.
How To Protect Yourself From Monkeypox
Assuming that monkeypox is indeed just spread by touch, the best way to keep yourself protected is to limit your physical contact with others. If possible, interact with people remotely through virtual platforms. Much like with COVID-19, proximity can increase the chances of monkeypox spreading.
In addition, don’t touch anything that anyone with monkeypox may have used. It can easily transfer from things like towels and clothing. Be sure to wash and/or sanitize your hands frequently as well.
With children heading back to school at this time, some experts are worried that monkeypox could see a spike. If you have children, try to inform them about monkeypox and advise them to avoid unnecessary contact with others. You should also frequently wash your clothes and disinfect high-traffic areas of your home.
Trust Our Urgent Care Clinic in El Paso For Your Healthcare Needs!
Do you suspect you or a loved one has monkeypox? Our medical team would love to take care of you! We can provide you with information and treatment options for monkeypox and other illnesses. To learn more, contact our urgent care center by calling (915) 777-3493 today!
