Are you aware of Mpox? Let's talk about this new disease!

You may have heard that people are talking about a new disease these days, and that is Mpox . In the past, it was also called Monkeypox . Actually, this is not a new disease, but since it has not been discussed much among us, many people may not have much knowledge about it. So, don't worry, today we will simply talk about what Mpox is, what happens when it occurs, how it is transmitted, and how we can be careful.

What is Mpox? Let's find out simply!

Simply put, Mpox is a disease caused by a virus . This virus is also called the Mpox virus . Do you remember when there was a disease called Smallpox ? This is a virus that is very similar to the virus that causes smallpox. But fortunately, Mpox is not as severe as smallpox, and it is not as contagious .

It got its name from the fact that scientists first discovered the virus in a group of monkeys in a laboratory in 1958. But because of that name, some people might think that this is a disease that only spreads from monkeys. That's not true, it can also spread between humans.

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

Okay, now let's see what symptoms appear when you get Mpox.

• Fever: A fever may accompany a chill.
• Headache : A severe headache is possible.
• Body aches : Your whole body may feel achy, like when you have a viral fever.
• Swollen lymph nodes: This is a bit of a special symptom. The lymph nodes in our neck, armpits, and groin can become swollen. You may remember when you get a cold, you sometimes get little lumps in your neck, right? This is the same.
• Skin rash : This is the main and most obvious symptom of measles.

Now let's talk about these skin problems in a little more detail.

It starts as flat spots on the skin. Then these spots gradually rise and become like bumps. Then these bumps become filled with fluid, like small blisters. Some people may develop these pimple -like blisters before they develop other symptoms (like fever and body aches).

The important thing is that these blisters can appear individually or in clusters anywhere on the body. They can be seen anywhere, such as the face, palms, soles, chest, and genital areas.

These blisters dry up after a few days, forming a crust, and eventually the crust falls off. However, during this time, you may sometimes feel pain or itching .

Usually, all of these symptoms resolve within two to four weeks . However, in some cases, especially in people with weakened immune systems, this virus can cause serious illness.

How do we get Mpox?

This is a very important point. The Mpox virus is mainly spread through close contact with an infected person or animal . Let's see how:

• By contact with the fluid from the blisters on the skin of an infected person: This is the main way of transmission. That is, if your skin comes into contact with the blisters of someone who has smallpox, you can become infected.
• Through contact with body fluids of an infected person: For example, it can be transmitted through the exchange of body fluids during sexual intercourse. There is also a possibility of transmission to some extent through objects such as saliva and feces of an infected person, especially during prolonged close contact.
• By using items such as bedding, clothing, or towels used by an infected person: The disease can also be spread through items like these that have been contaminated with the virus. For example, if you use a bed sheet that an infected person has slept on, or if you wear clothes that they have worn.
• By breathing in tiny droplets of the virus in the air: This often happens when you are in the same room with an infected person, face to face, or talking for a long time. However, this is not as common as other ways.

Important: It can take anywhere from 5 to 21 days (3 weeks) for symptoms to appear after you have been exposed to the virus. This means that it may take a few days for you to know if you have been exposed to the virus. This time is called the incubation period.

Who is more likely to get chickenpox?

Usually, if a healthy adult gets chickenpox, it will not be too serious and they will recover. However, some people can develop complications from it, especially:

• Young children: Young children under 8 years of age are at greater risk from this.
• Pregnant women: They are also at higher risk because of changes in immunity during pregnancy.
• People with weakened immune systems: This can be severe for people with HIV, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, or those taking medications that suppress the immune system.
• People with skin conditions such as severe eczema: Because their skin's protective layer is weak, it is easier for the virus to enter and spread.

So, if you have someone like this in your family, it is very important to protect them from Mpox.

When should we see a doctor?

This is also a very important question. Not only small children, but anyone can get skin rashes and blisters for various reasons. Not all rashes are chickenpox. However, if you or anyone in your family has new skin rashes or blisters that look like chickenpox, and are accompanied by the aforementioned symptoms such as fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes, you should definitely seek medical advice .

Also, if you or anyone in your family has had close contact with someone who has been confirmed to have smallpox, let your doctor know. The doctor can then examine you and advise you on what to do if necessary.

Don't be afraid, when you see a doctor, he or she will ask you questions, run tests if necessary, and find out exactly what is causing these symptoms.

Are there ways to protect yourself from Mpox?

"It is better to prevent a disease than to treat it," they say. So there are ways to protect yourself from smallpox.

• Vaccines: The good news is that the smallpox vaccine also helps protect against Mpox to some extent. There is also a new vaccine that protects against both smallpox and Mpox. However, this vaccine is not given to everyone. It is currently recommended for people at high risk in areas where the disease is prevalent.
• Personal hygiene: This is something we can do easily.
• Wash your hands often: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent many illnesses. Be sure to wash your hands, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after visiting crowded places.
• Masking: It is a good idea to wear a mask when going to crowded places or if you are in close proximity to someone who is sick.
• Avoid close contact with sick people and animals: Stay away from people who have symptoms such as fever, cough, and skin rashes. Also, do not touch unfamiliar animals, especially those that appear sick.

What are the treatments for Mpox?

Imagine someone has smallpox. What do you do then?

• Home isolation: The most important thing is that the person who has been confirmed to have the disease should stay in a separate room in the house to prevent spreading the disease to others. It is not advisable for others to use the same utensils, clothes, and towels that the person uses.
• Treatment of symptoms: For fever, body aches, and itching, you can take general painkillers such as Paracetamol, which can be purchased from the pharmacy without a prescription, or antihistamines, which can be taken under medical advice.
• Stay well hydrated: As with any viral infection, it is important to stay well hydrated. Therefore, you should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
• Antiviral medicine: Usually, no specific treatment is needed for chickenpox. However, as mentioned earlier, if people at higher risk (such as those with weakened immune systems and young children) are at risk of developing severe illness, doctors may prescribe specific antiviral medicine. It is not advisable to take these on your own, and they should be prescribed by a doctor.

Remember: Chickenpox is a viral disease, so antibiotics are not helpful. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.

What is the most important thing we want to take home from this story?

So, we've talked a lot about Mpox. Finally, here are the most important things you need to remember:

• Mpox is a viral disease that causes skin lesions. It is similar to smallpox, but not as severe.
• It is mainly spread through close contact with the skin blisters and bodily fluids of an infected person.
• The main symptoms are fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin blisters.
• If you or someone in your family experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. Don't panic, but don't ignore it either.
• The disease can be prevented by practicing personal hygiene (especially hand washing) and staying away from sick people.
• If you become infected, it is very important to isolate yourself at home and follow medical advice to prevent spreading the disease to others.

There is no need to be unnecessarily afraid of Mpox. However, it is wise to be aware and cautious . If you have any further questions about this, ask a doctor. Stay healthy!

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