Monkeypox

• Fever\headaches
• Back pain and muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills\Exhaustion
• Respiratory issues (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
• Rashes.  In particular, a rash or breakout of spots that appear on or close to the genitalia (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus, but which may also appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
  • Before the rash heals, it will go through a number of stages, including scabs.
  • The rash may feel uncomfortable or itchy and resemble pimples or blisters.
  • Some patients have a rash that appears before (or independently of) other symptoms.

• Sometimes the rash appears first, then the accompanying symptoms. Others only notice the physical rash.
• Most individuals with monkeypox will get a rash.

• Anyone can contract monkeypox through close, direct, and frequently skin-to-skin contact, including:
  • Direct touch with a monkeypox patient's rash, scabs, or bodily fluids.
  • Interacting with items, materials (such as clothing, beds, or towels), or surfaces that have been touched by a person who has the monkeypox.
  • Exposure to respiratory secretions

• This direct contact can occur during intimate interactions, such as:
  • Oral, anal, and vaginal sex, touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus of an individual carrying monkeypox.
  • Massages, kisses, and hugs.
  • Extended face-to-face contact
  • Touching linens, towels, or other items that have not been cleaned and were previously used by a person who has monkeypox.

• Through the placenta, a pregnant individual can transmit the virus to their unborn child.
  • Additionally, individuals can contract monkeypox from diseased animals by being bitten or scratched by them, preparing or consuming meat from them, or using their products.
  • From the moment symptoms appear until the rash has completely disappeared and a new layer of skin has developed, a person with monkeypox might transmit it to others. Usually, the disease lasts two to four weeks.

• According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Scientists are still researching:
  • If the virus can spread even while a person is asymptomatic.
  • When a person with monkeypox symptoms may be more susceptible to spread the virus through respiratory secretions, or how frequently monkeypox is disseminated through respiratory secretions.

Follow these instructions, provided by the CDC, to avoid contracting monkeypox:

• Avoid close contact with somebody who has a rash that resembles monkeypox.
• Never touch a monkeypox victim's rash or sores.
• Avoid sharing intercourse, kissing, hugging, and cuddling with someone who has the monkeypox.
• Avoid coming into contact with items and materials that a monkeypox victim has used.
• Sharing cups or eating utensils with someone who has monkeypox is not advised.
• Never handle or touch a person who has monkeypox's bedding, towels, or clothing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or often wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before touching your face or eating.
• If visiting Central or West Africa, take special precaution to avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates. 

Those who are more susceptible to monkeypox are:

• People who have been identified as contacts of a monkeypox case by public health agencies
• People who are aware that one of their sexual partners has had monkeypox over the preceding two weeks
• Those who had several sexual partners within the previous two weeks in a region where monkeypox is known to exist
• People who may be exposed to orthopoxviruses due to their occupations, including orthopoxvirus testing specialists in laboratories and designated healthcare personnel

Vaccine Protection

• JYNNEOS requires two doses. 
• After receiving the second dose of JYNNEOS, the immune protection takes 14 days to reach its peak.