Over the last two years we have become painfully aware of the importance of testing to public health emergencies. While the last words anyone wants to hear are "global emergency" or "possible pandemic,” the newest threat to healthcare is the presence of a quickly spreading disease, Monkeypox.
Total Testing Solutions is now accepting insurance and cash virtual consultations for those who have questions regarding monkeypox testing, infections, vaccines, and treatment. For a little more about the virus please read below or if you want to book a monkeypox consultation click here. If you qualify for testing we provide convenient drive-thru options or concierge home visits.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox, a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, is a rare disease and does not occur naturally in the US. Monkeypox infections in the US are usually associated with travel to West or Central Africa or contact with imported infected animals. However, cases of monkeypox have recently been identified in some countries where the virus is not typically found, including in the US, and appear to have spread through human-to-human contact. Monkeypox can spread when a person has close contact with a person infected with monkeypox virus or when a person comes in contact with materials (e.g., bedding, towels) that are contaminated with the virus. The monkeypox virus can also spread from animals to people.
What does it look like and what are the symptoms?
Early signs may include fever, muscle aches, headache, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and sometimes cough or sore throat. A rash may develop often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, eyes, mouth and/or genitals. Rashes may vary in severity between people and change in appearance through infection. Infections can last two to four weeks. Skin lesions typically begin to develop simultaneously, may appear anywhere on the body, and change from being flat to bumps to blisters before scabbing over and resolving.
How can I prevent Monkeypox?
Steps to help prevent monkeypox include:
- Avoid contact with materials, like bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal or person infected with this virus
- Keep infected patients away from others
- Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with infected animals or humans.
- Wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator by the person with monkeypox and the contact (for children over 2 years of age) when interaction is unavoidable
There is a vaccine (JYNNEOS) that can prevent monkeypox and can be used, under certain circumstances, for the protection of people who are at high risk of exposure to this disease.
(Source Credit: cdc.gov)
