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How to Identify Monkeypox Symptoms and Seek Help
Monkeypox cases are surfacing in Metro Manila and Calabarzon. The viral disease causes skin lesions and can lead to serious complications if untreated. However, its early symptoms, like fever and fatigue, resemble the flu and are easily overlooked.
Learn how to recognize monkeypox symptoms and lower your risk of infection.
Understand Why Monkeypox is a Real Health Threat
Here’s a quick rundown of what monkeypox is, how it spreads, and why it's making headlines.
What's the monkeypox virus?
Monkeypox (also called Mpox) is caused by a virus related to smallpox. It has two strains or “clades.”
- Clade I: Stronger strain with a higher chance of developing complications like pneumonia, sepsis, and encephalitis
- Clade II: Milder strain with skin infections and flu-like symptoms
Health officials say that Philippine cases involve the milder strain—but be careful! Children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions or weak immune systems can face severe side effects like scars, secondary infections, or blindness.
Why is monkeypox a concern?
Monkeypox cases started spreading in 2022 in West or Central Africa. However, the Philippine government didn’t flag it as a threat since cases were limited to travelers from high-risk countries.
Recent monkeypox Philippines cases indicate community transmission, meaning anyone can be at risk of contracting the disease.
How does it spread?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the monkeypox virus doesn’t spread easily through the air or across areas like markets or classrooms like COVID-19.
The most common monkeypox mode of transmission is direct physical contact with an infected person, animal, or object.
Pregnant women who are exposed to the virus can also pass it on to their baby either in utero or through close physical contact after delivery.
Spot Monkeypox Symptoms
During a monkeypox test, a healthcare provider swabs a skin lesion for PCR testing. You get your results in a few days.
Symptoms usually appear within 21 days of being exposed to the virus. Watch out for these signs of infection.
- Flu-like symptoms: chills, sore throat or cough, muscle pain, fatigue, headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes: tender lumps under the skin (usually in the neck, armpits, or groin), more common in monkeypox than similar conditions like chicken pox or smallpox
- Skin rash: appears on hands, feet, and genitals and progresses through different stages (starts out as flat spots, then becomes painful or itchy bumps or blisters)
Monkeypox and dengue share symptoms like fever and rashes. However, dengue rashes aren’t painful and usually show up on the chest, stomach, and limbs.
Consult a doctor if you see a rash or other monkeypox symptoms. You can also get free testing at government hospitals like the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and UP-Philippine General Hospital.
Lower Your Risk for Exposure
Monkeypox virus can survive on objects and surfaces, so wash your hands before eating or touching your face.
Although there’s a monkeypox vaccine, the World Health Organization only recommends it for health workers or people traveling to high-risk countries.
Since the Philippines is still considered low risk, focus on simple preventive measures. Here’s how to avoid monkeypox.
- Practice hand hygiene. Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers before eating or after using the bathroom.
- Watch out for rashes. Keep your distance from anyone who has a rash on their hands or face, just to be safe.
- Don’t share personal items. These include towels, water bottles, utensils, or clothing.
- Travel safely. Planning a trip? Research the prevalence of monkeypox in your destination. Provide accurate information in your airport or seaport health declaration forms.
- Stay informed. Follow reliable news sources for announcements on monkeypox cases in your area.
Manage Monkeypox Treatment at Home
Care and treatment depend on your symptoms and risk of complications. High-risk cases like children and elderly may need hospital observation, but most people can recuperate at home.
Symptoms typically last for two to four weeks and go away with medicines and supportive care. Follow these tips for speedy (and stress-free) monkeypox treatment at home.
Relieve Symptoms
Turn self-quarantine into quality Me Time! Watch shows or chat with friends while you rest in bed.
Most monkeypox treatment is focused on relieving discomfort and helping your immune system fight the virus.
- Follow a healthy diet and routine. Eat nutritious food, drink plenty of fluids, and get enough sleep.
- Care for rashes. Itchy rashes can appear on one or several parts of your body. Avoid touching or scratching them to prevent infection and scarring. Keep the affected skin dry and uncovered, unless you’re in close contact with others. In that case, cover rashes with clothing or bandages until you can isolate again.
- Manage discomfort. Use pain relievers or fever reducers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) as needed.
- Relieve itchiness. Take warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts. Use saltwater rinses for mouth sores.
- Take care of your mental health. Engage in enjoyable or relaxing activities like watching movies and connect to loved ones through calls or video chats. Need more data? Check out Go+ promos to enjoy fast internet and vouchers too.
Protect Others While Isolating at Home
Avoid close contact with other people until your rashes and scabs heal, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
- Stay in a separate room. If you can’t avoid sharing a room, cover rashes with bandages, wear well-fitting masks, and open the windows. If you share a bathroom, disinfect the area with bleach solutions after each use.
- Separate your utensils. Choose a glass, plate, or cutlery with a different design. Wash separately with hot, soapy water.
- Do your own laundry. Store your clothes, towels, or bedding in a plastic bag before carrying them to the washing machine. Use water that’s hotter than 60°C or 140°F.
Prevention and early detection of monkeypox symptoms can protect your family and help prevent community outbreaks. Visit a doctor or get an online consultation with Konsulta MD if you don’t feel well. Follow credible news sites for monkeypox cases in your area.
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