What is Monkeypox – The whole world, including the United States, has not recovered from the effects of COVID-19, and a new virus, monkeypox, has already started spreading at a rapid speed. At the same time, the latest spread has shocked the whole world, including big names in the medical industry.

Every health expert in the world is surprised to see the latest outbreak of the monkeypox virus in developed countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Australia. The reason behind their surprise is that everyone thought the monkeypox virus was just limited to some African countries due to their unsanitary measures.

The latest outbreak of the monkeypox virus started in the United Kingdom, and it has been spreading at rapid speed in Western countries where they take good care of sanitation. That is why today we are here to discuss everything related to what is monkeypox virus and how you can ensure your safety during the outbreak.

What is the Monkeypox Virus?

The monkeypox virus belongs to our family, which is also known to cause smallpox and cowpox. It was first discovered back in the 1950s when two colonies of monkeys kept for research started showing symptoms like a pox disease.

After diagnosis and research, health experts concluded that it is a new virus that has been affecting the colonies of monkeys. Thus Health experts named the new virus monkeypox virus because it was found in the kernels of monkeys.

The first human case of the monkeypox virus was detected back in the 1970s in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From the 1970s to 2022, most cases of the monkeypox virus were associated with African countries or found in African countries themselves.

The latest outbreak of the monkeypox virus has been a shock to every health expert in the world as it has started spreading in Western countries. Yes, The health experts believe the symptoms of the monkeypox virus in the 2022 outbreak are not similar to older outbreaks, but the virus is the same.

Symptoms of Monkeypox Virus

Before we move ahead, let’s first discuss the symptoms of the monkeypox virus, as it will help you understand more about the infection. Apart from that, learning about the symptoms of the monkeypox virus can also help you ensure your safety along with the safety of your friends and family from the virus.

A few weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a press statement stating all the symptoms and signs of the monkeypox virus. In case you are experiencing any of the below-given symptoms, then you should consult with your health care provider.

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Muscle aches.
• Headache.
• Respiratory symptoms, including sore throat and cough.

Another thing you should keep in your mind is that these symptoms might also be associated with other diseases. in case you were experiencing one or two symptoms from the above-given list, it doesn’t mean that you are infected with the virus.

At the same time, in case you are not experiencing the symptoms from the above-given list, it doesn’t mean that you are not infected with a virus. There can be a huge list of different symptoms which might indicate the monkeypox virus. 

Before you come to any conclusion about self-diagnosis, we will suggest you consult with your healthcare provider.

What is the Timeline of the Monkeypox Virus?

Similar to any other disease in the world, the monkeypox virus has a specific timeline that can start from the first day of exposure to full recovery. Every disease or infection in the world has a different timeline, and so does the infection of the monkeypox virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention, along with the World Health Organization, believe there could be an incubation period of three to five days for the monkeypox virus.

It means a person can start developing symptoms related to the virus after three to five days of exposure to the virus.

Apart from that, the virus can affect a person for two to four weeks, and the infected person will start feeling better after the second or fourth week since they start developing the symptoms.

In total, the monkeypox virus can stay in your system for around four to five weeks, depending on your immune system and other conditions.

Treatment options for Monkeypox Virus

Before we wrap up our session, let’s take a quick look at all the treatment options for the monkeypox virus.

Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments available for the infection of the monkeypox virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention have mentioned on their official website with the latest update that there are no treatments specifically available for the infection of the monkeypox virus. Among the given recommendations, your health expert might be able to help you lower the intensity of symptoms.

The Food and Drug Administration of the United States has approved the vaccine for the monkeypox virus, which is also useful for the smallpox virus and it is capable of helping you even if you have already been infected with a virus.

Apart from that, your doctor might also give you some antivirals which can help you lower the intensity of symptoms.

Another thing you should keep in mind is that, yes, there is no specific treatment available for the infection of the virus, but you should let your doctor know about you being infected with the virus or if you are a suspected case of the virus.

All of these things will help you ensure your safety along with the safety of your friends and family. At the same time, public healthcare officers will also be able to help everyone around you by containing the spread as much as possible.