Should you senior be worried about MonkeyPox?

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monkeypox
We hear a lot about Monkeypox in the news but what about your senior?  Are they at risk as they were like the COVID-19 virus?

 

The answer is probably “no” but we all have to be aware of our surroundings, and not touch items or clothing those with Monkeypox leave behind.

 

Numbers Keep Rising in the USA of MonkeyPOX

As of August 23, the United States leads the world in monkeypox infections, with at least 15,433 cases in all states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since the beginning of August, reported infections in America have more than doubled.

After the United States, Spain has the largest outbreak, with 6,119 cases, followed by Brazil with 3,450, Germany with 3,295, and the United Kingdom with 3,081.

Should you be worried about your senior loved ones?

“What we know right now is that monkeypox spreads primarily through close skin-on-skin physical contact — by touching objects like sheets or towels that may have been used by somebody with monkeypox, and through close face-to-face interactions like kissing.”

The virus also transmits between people through respiratory droplets in a close setting, such as the same household or a healthcare environment.

While it is mostly seen in younger men, transmission should be considered if your senior is out and about due to respiratory droplets.

Death is relatively low, 3-6% according to WHO, and most of you have read that it occurs mostly in immunocompromised men.

But this is not true, as 2 men in Spain were not immunocompromised and died of the virus.

symptoms of monkey pox

How can you and your loved one stay protected?

 

The vaccine is administered in two doses at least four weeks apart, and full immunity is reached two weeks after the second dose.

The CDC says that “no data are available yet on the effectiveness of these vaccines in the current outbreak.” Still, studies in animals have been conclusive enough for the FDA to approve “jynneos” to be licensed for the prevention of monkeypox.

Other ways to stay protected:

  • If you see the POX rash do not touch the person, avoid skin-to-skin contact.  Distancing is the best protection.
  • Do not touch items or clothing that a person with monkeypox has used.
  • Common household disinfectants can kill the virus. Use it!
  • See your doctor if you or your loved one has an unexplained rash.
  • If you have exotic animals, be aware that there was a monkeypox outbreak in 2003 of 47 people. Use precaution.

monkeypox rash

 

About the Author

Do you feel frustrated with your medical care? Do doctors spend 5 minutes with you, push you out of the office, with you wondering what's going to happen? Does your insurance deny paying? You're not alone. I'm frustrated, too. This is a growing trend in healthcare. Having seen pre-insurance medicine (yes, my dad was an old country doctor), I grew up watching him spend time with his patients, giving them the best care he had to offer. I saw families trust him to help them through hospitalizations and the next crisis. As a patient advocate, my job is to see that you get the right diagnosis, the right treatment plans, and the right supplies and education to make good decisions about your health. More importantly, I will teach you the tricks of the healthcare trade. We need more healthcare consumer protection, especially for chronic illnesses like diabetes. This is what I am passionate about. I make it happen every day with thousands of patients who now know what I know about beating the healthcare system and getting the best patient care...Patient Best.

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This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that has been read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. The opinions and views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, health practice or other institution. Nor does this material constitute a provider-patient relationship between the reader and the author. 

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