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What is Monkey Pox, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Illustration of monkeys with monkey pox disease

Overview

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the pox virus. It affects wild and sylvatic monkeys, and occasionally humans. Based on research, the disease was first identified in monkeys during the 17th century in India. In humans, monkeypox is known to cause red pimples that may appear similar to chickenpox.

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to other diseases transmitted from animals including smallpox, chickenpox, and herpes zoster. However, some of these symptoms may also overlap with other conditions such as lupus erythematosus and bullous pemphigoid. Thus it is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have contracted this disease.

So What Exactly is IT?

It is a variant of the orthopoxvirus that also causes smallpox in humans. It is primarily a disease of wild or captive monkeys and is occasionally transmitted to humans who come into direct contact with the animal’s infectious fluids. The natural host for the virus is the Asian palm civet, a relative of the weasel, mongoose, and raccoon. The disease was first identified in monkeys during the 17th century in India. It has been reported in African green monkeys and cynomolgus monkeys in laboratories, as well as in a wide variety of wild and captive nonhuman primates worldwide. In humans, the disease is also known as monkeypox. The term monkeypox was coined in 1956 during an outbreak in the United States in which people contracted the disease from squirrel monkeys imported from the Bronx Zoological Park.

Symptoms of Monkey Pox

– Erythematous skin- Blisters and pustules- General malaise- Fever and headache- Lymphadenopathy- Generalized lymphadenopathy – Lymph node tenderness – Generalized pruritus – Respiratory tract symptoms

Prevention of Monkey Pox

One should avoid contact with animals that are known to be infected with this disease. Using protective gear such as gloves when handling wild monkeys or animals in captivity is crucial.

Treatment for Monkey Pox

The treatment for monkeypox is similar to that for other poxviral infections. The recommended treatment for people who have been exposed to the virus is a combination of cidofovir, PEG-interferon, and ABX therapy. As there are no vaccines available for the prevention of this disease, patients are given antiviral medications such as ganciclovir, acyclovir, and foscarnet. Immunoglobulin therapy is given to people who have a compromised immune system.

Conclusion

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the poxvirus that affects a wide variety of wild and sylvatic primates. It can be transmitted to humans who come in direct contact with infected animals. This disease can be treated with antiviral medications, although there are no vaccines available. It is important to avoid contact with wild or sylvatic monkeys, especially those that are sick.

How to Tell the Difference Between the Flu & Common Cold

Girl sneezing on white background “Oh, my aching head!” Sound familiar? We have all felt this way at one time or another. Maybe you’re coughing too! Chances are you got the bug! But what bug is it you’ve got? If you’ve ever felt like you’re getting sick or you’ve tried to cough up something that just won’t come out, you’re most likely to start wondering what is it that you actually have and if it is a cold or something worse, like the flu or maybe even covid?

How Can You Tell the Difference Between the Flu and a Cold?

Cold and flu are medical terms that mean you’re feeling under the weather. The two are related but they’re not the same. When you have these symptoms, you’re probably feeling miserable and your body is aching. You may also feel exhausted and irritable. With either set of symptoms, these illnesses are caused by a viral infection. You can tell the difference between the cold and the flu based on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of your illness. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you make a final decision. The video below is a good starting point.

What are the Signs of the Common Cold and Flu?

As we mentioned, these two infections are caused by viruses. They do have some similarities but there are differences. The common cold is caused by viruses that affect your nose and throat, while the flu is caused by viruses that affect your respiratory system. Symptoms of a cold include:
      • Runny nose
      • Snot, or mucus in the nose
      • Sneezing
      • Cough
      • Muscle and body aches
      • Fatigue
      • Chills
Symptoms of the flu include:
      • Fever (this may be the only symptom you have, but it’s important to remember)
      • Headaches
      • Diarrhea and vomiting (which are also signs of the stomach flu)
      • Chest pain
      • Shortness of breath
      • Wheezing (breathing may sound wheezy even when you’re not coughing)

Cold Symptoms

Cold symptoms often begin three to five days after you have been infected with a virus. The symptoms can last from two to seven days but most people recover in one to three days. Your cold is likely to begin with a runny nose and sore throat. You may feel feverish during this time. This may be followed by a cough that produces thick mucus. This mucus may be green or yellow in color. You may or may not have a sore throat, either on the roof of your mouth (a sore throat) or in your throat. Your sore throat may be accompanied by mild pain, either in your throat or neck area. Your sore throat may also be accompanied by a mild fever. If you have a sore throat, you should drink plenty of liquids and rest.

Cough

Cough is the most common cold symptom. Coughing is your body’s way of trying to get rid of mucus. It will usually start two to three days after your sore throat. The mucus from your sore throat will move into your lungs. Once in your lungs, it will be coughed up and spit into your throat. You may cough due to irritation of your throat or due to irritation of your lungs. You will cough until you produce mucus and clear your airway. If you have a sore throat and you cough, there’s a good chance you’ll cough up mucus.

Flu Symptoms

The flu is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system. If you find you have a fever, you most likely do have the flu.  Fever is a sign that your immune system is revved up. Your body is trying to fight off a virus and when you have a fever, your immune system is doing a harder job of fighting the virus off. The fever will last from one day to three days, followed by a period of feeling feverish. Your fever will increase from normal body temperature to about 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Other flu symptoms may include:
      • Headaches
      • Dry cough
      • Chest pain
      • Cough that produces thick, yellow mucus
      • Difficulty breathing
      • Nausea
      • Muscle aches
      • Runny or stuffy nose
You may or may not have a sore throat. Your sore throat may be accompanied by mild pain or tenderness in your throat. You may also have a sore throat accompanied by a cough. The cough may produce thick yellow mucus. As you can see, the flu virus is more severe than a cold and can last longer. The flu can lead to other complications such as pneumonia. This virus is also contagious and if you’re sick, you can infect others, even if they don’t have similar symptoms as you do.

Pneumonia

A sore throat (pharyngitis) can turn into pneumonia if not treated promptly. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs. When you have a sore throat, the mucus in your sore throat can turn into bacteria. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as your sore throat may be a sign of pneumonia. Note that a sore throat can also be a sign of an allergic reaction. If you have this symptom and you’re experiencing hives, difficulty breathing, or wheezing, you should seek medical attention as well.

How to Avoid Getting Sick

Photo of man washing handsWashing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to stay healthy when outside and eating foods that will help strengthen your immune system is a definite go! But if you do feel sick, you should follow the same precautions as with covid – stay away from people or quarantine if necessary.

Conclusion

Cold and flu symptoms are both caused by a virus, The mucus in a cold is a bit thicker than the mucus in the flu. If a sore throat is present, your throat may be red and painful. If you have a fever, that is a good indication that you have the flu. Cold symptoms usually begin three to five days after you have been infected with the virus. We’d like to close by saying that if you feel any of these symptoms mentioned above, don’t wait for a fever to come (if it comes at all). Make an educated decision if you should see medical attention or not. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

How to Stay Safe from COVID

Spike Protein no backgroundIt’s no surprise when we say that COVID-19 is all over us and still, to this day, it is still spreading. Now quicker than ever, thanks to the Omicron vibrant! Fortunately, even though this strain is the most contagious that is infecting us now, it is also the most passive. For most of us, someone we know has already been infected including possibly you as well.

Vaccinated or Non Vaccinated – What’s the Difference?

There is a major difference. If you are not vaccinated, you stand the chance of getting more sick than those that have been given the jab. For the ones that have an immune deficiency and/or are elderly, your chances are higher, and subsequently, you may become severely ill, and possibly end up in a hospital. No one wants that! 

How Can I Protect Myself Against the Virus?

Having antibodies in your body is your best defense. They will shield you from the most serious ailments and keep you from such symptoms as extreme fatigue and other serious medical issues. If you are lacking too many of these antibodies, you could possibly end up hospitalized.

How Do I Get These Antibodies?

Person getting vaccinatedEasy, GET VACCINATED! When you are inoculated, the odds of you becoming seriously ill are greatly reduced, and when you get the booster shot, chances are you may only have cold symptoms. Maybe a headache or two, but you will recover usually in a few days. It is important to note that even if you are vaccinated and you get the virus, you must still quarantine in order to keep others from getting infected. 

Eat Healthily!

All studies point to a healthy diet leading to a healthy life, not to mention an effective immune system. Stick to fruits and vegetables. Also, fish, especially salmon has been found to be excellent health food. Learn about what foods are good for you and what is not.

How Do I Keep Safe Outside?

Woman with ask Wear a mask! Use an N-95, which is the best type of mask that can protect you and others from the virus. Ensure that the mask covers your nose and mouth and secure it under your jaw.  Additionally, wash your hands frequently! Carry antibacterial hand sanitizer at all times. Even though the virus is not bacteria, these cleansers work. When you touch a doorknob, an item in a store, or something outside, wash your hands. This doesn’t mean that you need to do this every time but when you feel the need to do so. Most importantly, do not make contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Remain somewhere around 6 feet (around two arm lengths) from other Stay away from large groups and inadequately ventilated indoor spaces. Refer to the CDC frequently for updates.

Conclusion

Taking these precautions is essential so that others do not get infected. After all, we’re all in this together, and the faster we can contain this, the faster we can go back to our normal lifestyles.