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.

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.

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