Introduction
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that is similar to smallpox, but much less severe. It is caused by the monkeypox virus and is spread through contact with infected animals or humans. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that can spread over the body. While monkeypox is not common in the United States, it is important to be aware of the risk factors and take steps to protect yourself. In this article, we will discuss the risk factors for monkeypox and provide tips on how to reduce your risk. We will also provide some healthy eating tips to help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of infection.
If This Sounds Like You, You May be at Risk of Monkeypox — Eat This Not That
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox. It is caused by the monkeypox virus and is spread through contact with an infected animal or person. Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that develops into raised bumps filled with fluid. In some cases, the rash can spread to other parts of the body.
If you have recently been in contact with an infected animal or person, or if you have recently traveled to an area where monkeypox is known to occur, you may be at risk of contracting the virus. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you from the virus.
The best way to protect yourself from monkeypox is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid contact with people who are sick. If you must come into contact with someone who is sick, wear a face mask and gloves. Additionally, avoid contact with wild animals, and do not touch any animal that appears to be sick.
If you think you may have been exposed to monkeypox, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor can help you determine if you are at risk and can provide you with the necessary treatment. Additionally, it is important to eat a healthy diet to help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of infection.
Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help keep your immune system strong and reduce your risk of infection. Additionally, avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks can help reduce your risk of infection. Eating a healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which can help reduce your risk of developing other illnesses.
If you think you may be at risk of monkeypox, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and those around you. Practice good hygiene, avoid contact with people who are sick, and eat a healthy diet to help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of infection.
This weekend President Biden said that “everybody should be concerned” about monkeypox, a rare disease that has popped up in several countries, including the U.S. and Canada It is good to be aware of this yet another virus to worry about however, there is no need for panic as the person-to-person spread is very different than a predominantly respiratory infection such as influenza or coronavirus. Still, it is important to know the signs and symptoms as it appears these cases are in people who did not travel to these endemic areas. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Health experts are investigating several clusters of monkeypox in the United States that have been reported this month. It is a virus common in certain regions of central and west Africa. It is a zoonotic virus transferred from rodents and nonhuman primates to humans. It is similar in presentation to smallpox yet luckily less severe.
The majority of monkeypox cases are not deadly or dangerous, however in rare cases can be deadly. For most patients, it causes a flu-like illness and a disfiguring rash.
These are the most common symptoms of monkeypox:
- Flu-like symptoms — cough, headache, runny nose, and feeling fatigued.
- Muscle aches and lymph node swelling, similar to the flu.
- “Pox” lesions or small pus-filled blisters are common on the skin and can be quite disfiguring. This rash can be all over the body including genitals, and mucus membranes.
The spread occurs from very close human contact which usually involves exchange or contact with bodily fluids or with the pus-filled rash. So for example, the current outbreak is thought to be a sexual transmission since none of these individuals have traveled to endemic areas recently. Coughing can spread too but again with very close contact with respiratory secretions.
If you have flu-like symptoms or this rash described above please stay home, isolate yourself, and call your local health department for further instructions. Other hygiene precautions we have deployed in this pandemic should help too — masking, and hand washing. No need for panic but good to recognize the signs and symptoms. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Dr. Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health.