Well! Well! We aren’t yet properly out of the ongoing pandemic and here comes Monkeypox another big threat to us and our lives. Doesn’t it feel like all the animals have been conspiring against humans for the last few decades? To maybe balance the destruction, we have caused to Mother Nature. This is not the first time this has happened, the plague had once annihilated 1\3 of the total population and then Chimpanzees (HIV), pigs (Swine flu), bats (Coronavirus), and now monkeys are here with monkeypox.

What is Monkeypox?

 Monkeypox is caused by the Monkeypox virus which belongs to the same family as smallpox. Therefore, though it is less fatal than smallpox it causes similar symptoms like fever, headache and lesions that cause itching and irritation. It can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, close contact, cuddling, hugging etc.

Why are we worried about Monkeypox?

By the time of data collection of this article, more than 16000 cases and 5 deaths have been reported after which WHO have declared monkeypox a global threat. In India, 9 cases of monkeypox have been observed till now. Therefore, we need to be prepared by ourselves to block this new virus from becoming another pandemic in time. And to do so, we need to know what and how about it and only then we can decide what we can do about it.

Who is at risk?

Everyone and anyone is at risk, however, it is more likely to happen to immunocompromised people. It can also happen via close contact with any person, animal or any material contaminated with the virus.

Is Monkeypox deadly?

It is not deadly if treated in time, it is highly contagious though. It is also being reported that it can also be transmitted via respiratory droplets.

What about medicine and vaccines?

 It’s been said that the treatment and vaccines that were once used for Smallpox would be effective however, as smallpox eradicated long ago, its vaccines are not readily available. Therefore, for the time being, health professionals are using medicines of the same combination in severe cases that were once used for the treatment of smallpox. On the other hand, the Serum Institute of India is all prepared to launch the vaccines with the final go.

How to save yourself from Monkeypox?   

Our health is our responsibility and its protection is in our hands so, we need to be prepared. First, we need to stick with the basics i.e. wearing masks, avoiding contact with the affected, and following proper sanitization. Other than usual precautions, Immunity is the best defence and we need to make our immune system stronger by eating healthy and taking IMMUNESMART - it has freeze-dried cow colostrum rich in Immunity boosting IgG antibodies.

What about the News, only men are susceptible?

Data suggests most cases are of men, suggesting people having monkeypox are found to have intimate relations with partners of the same sex. However, it doesn’t prove that it can happen only to homosexual men or people who belong to the same community rather it can be transmitted to any person who comes in close contact with the infected for example by sharing clothes, hugging cuddling, kissing, intercourse etc. WHO has asked the LGBTQ community to be more careful and is forming a team with people who have dealt with these communities and are aware of the social stigmas that run all around the world. Along with them we also need to think and act carefully and respectfully while taking care of ourselves and others along with maintaining their dignity.

Now one thing we need not forget is, that these diseases have caused us huge damage and it doesn’t seem to be ending any soon until we ourselves take a step forward to make this world a better place for all the beings that are residing on this planet. This is a long-term process for which we have to make many small efforts for a longer period and have to change our habits.