The emergence of Monkeypox in the headlines can be alarming after over two years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Monkeypox is not a new virus and is not nearly as contagious or life-threatening as COVID-19.

The best thing you can do if you have symptoms of either is to get tested. Monkeypox testing and testing for Coronavirus can be done at your local pharmacy. If you are in South London, you can visit any of our Miles Pharmacy branches for testing.

 What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease typically found in Central and West Africa and is slowly spreading across the continents. While the outbreak is spreading, there is little threat of a major global pandemic – and is not comparable to COVID-19.

There are key differences that make Monkeypox a much less serious threat than COVID-19.

These key reasons are:

• Monkeypox does not spread easily from one person to another
• Infected people are easier to identify.
• Easier to prevent the spreading of Monkeypox by isolating infected individuals
• There are two vaccines that are effective against Monkeypox.

Symptoms of Monkeypox

• Blisters or Skin rashes show up on the body and face
• Symptoms that are similar to the Flu such as swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fever
• Fatigue

How does monkeypox spread?

Transmission of Monkeypox happens during close contact with an infected person – through direct contact with body fluids, lesions, or contaminated bedding and clothing.

It doesn’t spread through the air like COVID-19. Monkeypox is only contagious once the infected person becomes symptomatic, which differs from COVID-19. This makes it much easier to isolate infected individuals and prevent the spread.

How severe is monkeypox infection?

Most people will have a relatively minor infection with a fatality rate of less than 1 percent.

What are the treatments?

As of now, there is no specific Monkeypox treatment needed for most people. However, the vaccine and antiviral drugs that were developed for Smallpox have been found to be effective against Monkeypox. If you are living in a high-risk area, you should consider getting the vaccine.

 We all know the COVID-19 test importance now as a way to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. It is also important to get tested for Monkeypox if you have symptoms to prevent it from spreading to the people you live with.

Get your Covid-19 vaccine, Monkeypox vaccine, Monkeypox testing, PCR testing, and Covid 19 test in Epsom at Miles Pharmacy. Or visit any of our other branches in South London for all your healthcare needs.