Did you know that monkeypox is a serious disease that can be deadly? It is caused by a virus and can affect people and animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
AFC Urgent Care Burlington is here to provide our community with the health resources they need. As new diseases and conditions come up, we need to work together to keep everyone around us safe. To learn more about monkeypox, call or visit AFC Burlington today.
What are some steps people can take to prevent getting monkeypox?
Monkeypox can be spread through the air, through close contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with infected fluid or objects. You can help prevent monkeypox by washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and avoiding contact with wild animals.
If you live in or travel to an area where there is a risk of monkeypox, you should also:
- Get vaccinated against smallpox. The smallpox vaccine will not protect you against monkeypox, but it can help lessen the symptoms if you do get infected.
- Avoid contact with infected people or animals. If you must be around them, wear a mask and gloves.
- Do not touch objects that may have been contaminated with the virus.
What to do if you think you have monkeypox
If you think you have monkeypox, you should:
- Avoid in-person contact with others until you have spoken to a medical professional
- Call your doctor right away.
- Be sure to tell your doctor of any recent travels
Your doctor will likely recommend that you be hospitalized and treated with an antiviral drug. Antibiotics may also treat a secondary bacterial infection.
How long do you isolate for monkeypox?
The length of time you have to isolate for monkeypox can vary depending on the severity of the case. Most patients are required to isolate for at least 21 days. However, in some cases, you may need to be isolated for up to 42 days.
Monkeypox is a serious disease that can be deadly. If you think you have monkeypox, it is important to call your doctor right away to get an accurate estimate on how long to isolate for.
If you are traveling to an area where monkeypox is endemic, it’s important to take some precautions to avoid contracting the virus. AFC Burlington can help you do just that. We provide information on areas where monkeypox is found as well as advice on how to protect yourself from the disease while traveling.
