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In the aftermath of the Coronavirus, the need to take care of our physical and mental well-being is of paramount importance. The pandemic highlighted the significance of consuming nutritious food for a healthy lifestyle, keeping chronic conditions at bay, regularly exercising to stay fit, and meditating and practicing yoga for mental peace.
What you need to know:
What is monkeypox?
After grappling with the long shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, another infection has been doing the rounds. Monkeypox is a viral infection that is transmitted from animals to humans. It also spreads from close human-to-human physical contact, sexual contact, or through shared clothing or bedsheets with the infected people. The virus is also transmitted by close contact with lesions, body fluids, and respiratory fluids.
The monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus that belongs to the genus of the virus that causes smallpox. The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to that of smallpox, but they are less severe. The most common symptoms of monkeypox include headache, fever, back pain, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and pox rashes that last for about 2-3 weeks.
There have been over 22,000 cases reported across 75 countries as of the 1st of August 2022. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), one step below that of a pandemic. WHO describes PHEIC as “…an extraordinary event, which constitutes a public health risk to other states through the international spread, and which potentially requires a coordinated response…” India has reported seven cases of monkeypox as of the 2nd of August 2022, of which one person succumbed to the virus. This is largely a self-limiting infection that resolves on its own and leaves no long-term harmful effects on the patients.
Treatment of monkeypox
Do note that the smallpox vaccine, which many people have been immunized with for decades, works against monkeypox. WHO has stated that a ‘ring vaccination’ strategy may help halt the spread of the monkeypox virus. This involves administering smallpox vaccines, which are considered to be effective against monkeypox because the viruses are related.
If anyone is diagnosed with monkeypox, they should follow the advice of their healthcare provider and may take medications for pain or fever if required. Avoid scratching your skin. Clean your hands before and after touching the lesions and keep them covered. Keep the rashes clean with sterilized water or an antiseptic. People exhibiting symptoms of monkeypox should stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough sleep. The Centre has issued comprehensive guidelines to combat monkeypox. It includes a 21-day isolation period.
7 health tips to help fight the virus
Here are some health tips you can follow to fight the monkeypox infection or its symptoms.
Nutrition:
- Hydration is of utmost importance in the recovery process. Consume different fluids such as buttermilk, fresh juices, coconut water, and amla juice to recover at a faster pace.
- Consume protein-rich foods such as seeds, nuts, lentils, chicken, egg, fish, and dairy products. Protein is one of the most prominent nutrients which repairs cell damage and boosts immunity.
- Consume well-washed fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid salty, fried, spicy, or processed foods that can irritate your digestive system.
Mindfulness:
- While you isolate, stay connected with your loved ones using technology.
- Invest time in relaxing and enjoyable activities that support your mental health.
- Avoid stigmatizing monkeypox as it can undermine control efforts and deter people from seeking the necessary services or medical aid.
Studies are still underway to understand the source of infection and transmission patterns. The main prevention strategy to curb the spread of monkeypox is to raise awareness of risk factors and educate people about the measures they can take to reduce exposure to this virus.
Stay tuned to the Activ Living community to get more information on lifestyle, fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.
