With the emergence of monkeypox as another public health threat, it is only natural to have questions about this new infectious disease, how it might impact your life and what vaccines or medications are available to protect you.
In this age of information overload and the internet telling you what you should do, it is hard to know who you should believe.
Luckily, Moose Pharmacy has been looking out for the community's health since opening its doors in 1882. We are here to keep you updated with the latest information regarding the risk of infection, transmission, vaccines, and available treatments.
One of the burning concerns everyone has is who is at risk because, currently, the virus seems only isolated to a particular population. Still, the truth is anyone can contract the disease.
Monkeypox virus can be transmitted through close contact (hugging, massaging), allowing the virus to enter broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose). It can also occur through contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, soiled clothes, or an infected person's linens.
The virus can also be animal to human transmitted as well as human to animal so be mindful of your pets if you become ill.
Unlike at the beginning of COVID pandemic, we aren't defenseless; there is a vaccine approved for emergency use called JYNNEOS. It is a two-dose series approved for alternative dosing intradermally in individuals over and under 18 years who meet the CDC’s eligibility requirements.
If you become ill, because the disease is self-limiting, treatment focuses on supportive care to control pain, maintain fluids, and prevent/treat bacterial skin infections. A few antivirals are available under special protocols, so are only for those with severe illness or illness complications such as the risk of blindness from infection in the eyes.
A well-informed public is a powerful/healthy one!
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