Tips to Prevent Monkeypox: Monkeypox is spreading at an alarming rate at the moment. The best way to get rid of its infection is by acquiring proper knowledge and proper hygiene.
Why to Bother About Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is quickly spreading across the major parts of the world. It’s a rare disease which generally spreads through animals to humans. The infection can be transmitted from an infected person to another.
The disease is primarily found in the tropical rainforest areas of west and central Africa.
Although, it has spread to several states in the US, the disease has also spread its wings in India as well. The country has spotted the 2nd case of monkeypox infection.
Most of the cases are reported to be mild, experts believe more efforts need to be taken to combat its infection.
Which Is More Dangerous: COVID vs. Monkeypox?
Even though, monkeypox virus is known to be less severe than COVID, it can prove fatal to children and those who become ill after getting an infection.
Although, the transmission due to COVID-19 has got somewhat more transmissibility, the infection due to monkeypox happens due to prolonged exposure with an already infected person.
In COVID, the infection rate is very much high and the infected person can further infect many others.
On the other hand, monkeypox is less contagious as compared to COVID. But it should be noted that monkeypox can be fatal for children.
As per the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), the incubation period of monkeypox infection ranges from 6 to 13 days.
It has been noticed that the infection can be better divided into two periods. The first one is the invasion period that can last up to 5 days and the other comes when the skin starts erupting.
The first line of symptoms includes swelling of lymph nodes, headache, back pain, fever, etc.
Tips to Prevent Monkeypox Infection
Avoid Skin Contact with An Infected Person
One major way that spreads monkeypox is by skin contact with an already infected person.
In humans, direct skin contact with an infected person can transmit the monkeypox virus.
It generally includes skin contact in any form like rashes, body fluids, contct with respiratory droplets, etc.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already warned against close skin to skin contact with an infected person.
It has also advised kissing, hugging and unprotected sex.
Face Masks
You can use well fitted face masks as they are also useful to prevent COVID-19 as well.
But you need to take extra precaution with monkeypox infection if they can help prevent the same.
The CDC has recommended travelers to wear masks to protect themselves in countries where monkeypox has been detected.
Good Hygiene
It’s crucial to maintain a good hygiene along with your health, especially when COVID and Monkeypox are there.
Make a habit to wash your hands with soap properly. Also, try to avoid touching surfaces that are contaminated.
Power of Vaccines
As per WHO, “vaccination against smallpox was demonstrated through several observational studies to be about 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.”
As per the data shared by the CDC, those who have already been exposed to monkeypox lately need to be vaccinated immediately.
As per an article published at Mayo Clinic, there are a few smallpox vaccines that can work against monkeypox like Jynneos and ACAM2000 vaccines.
Also Read: Monkeypox Virus Detected In Saliva & Semen of Infected People