August 2022 Health Tip
by J. Renee Livsey, RN, BC | August 1, 2022
Mt. Zion Monthly Health Tips
*Mind, Body, Spirit* = Wellness
August 2022
*Mind, Body, Spirit* = Wellness
August 2022
August is set aside as National Immunization Awareness Month, focusing on the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. As we know many childhood diseases were eradicated due to our government’s vaccination programs, it is important to receive any recommended vaccinations to say healthy. Since COVID 19 is still with us, the CDC continues to recommend that those who have not been vaccinated, consider getting the vaccine and boosters. Along with vaccination, wearing masks in public indoor places continues to be the best preventive measure against COVID 19.
There is a new health concern plaguing the world – and it is called monkeypox. Monkeypox was recently declared a public health emergency. The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Keep in mind that smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 due to the smallpox vaccine. Monkeypox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and some other animals. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms ranges from 5-21 days. The duration of symptoms is typically two to four weeks.
The CDC stresses that this is not an STI, but 90% of cases stem from people having unprotected sex, and/or multiple sex partners.
How it is spread: Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
There is a new health concern plaguing the world – and it is called monkeypox. Monkeypox was recently declared a public health emergency. The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. Keep in mind that smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 due to the smallpox vaccine. Monkeypox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and some other animals. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms ranges from 5-21 days. The duration of symptoms is typically two to four weeks.
The CDC stresses that this is not an STI, but 90% of cases stem from people having unprotected sex, and/or multiple sex partners.
How it is spread: Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
Prevention: Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face. Stay away from sick people.
Treatment: There are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infection. However, monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections.
If you have symptoms of monkeypox or have had exposure to someone with monkeypox, you should contact your PCP or health department for treatment options.
Resource:
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) | CDC
About Monkeypox | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC
Praying for *Mind, Body and Spiritual* Wellness to you,
Mt. Zion Health and Wellness Ministry
Mt. Zion Health and Wellness Ministry
