Mpox, how to prevent and treat monkeypox

Mpox is an acute rash infectious disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.

Currently, there are reports that the number of confirmed cases has increased by 10 with 5 additional cases confirmed in the past week.

As Mpox is infected through direct contact, it does not cause a large number of confirmed cases like the Corona 19 virus, but there are reports that it has already started spreading to the community rather than being infected through overseas travel.

There is no complete cure for the mpox virus, and it is important to strictly follow personal hygiene rules and follow preventive measures such as wearing a mask for prevention

Early symptoms of Mpox virus infection include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle and back pain, headache, and respiratory symptoms (sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, etc.), and usually a rash appears 1 to 4 days later.

The rash may appear on the face, mouth, hands, feet, chest, or near the anogenital area

If you suspect an Mpox infection, you should get an early diagnosis.

There is no approved treatment for mpox virus. The focus is on monitoring symptoms and preventing complications.

Most heal spontaneously within 2 to 4 weeks, and if the severity is severe, symptomatic treatment is given after being isolated and hospitalized.

The route of infection is through direct contact, and due to the nature of the disease, which is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse or skin contact, the possibility of explosive spread like corona is low.

Here are some ways to prevent infection with the mpox virus:

Mpox is a virus that spreads through direct contact. Therefore, it is most important to wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands. Of course, it is also important to avoid contact with people with suspected Mpox, sick or dead animals, or imported animals from Africa.

Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Wear a mask: Wear a mask during an Mpox virus outbreak.

Food Safety: In areas where the Mpox virus is present, special attention should be paid to food safety.

Limit animal contact: Minimize animal contact in areas where the Mpox virus is present.

Mpox virus is found in people infected with monkeypox virus and in infected animals (rats, squirrels, prairie dogs, etc.)

What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its prevention and treatment

 Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes cold-like symptoms in children and adults.

Usually prevalent in winter and early spring, most children experience RSV infection by the age of 2

Symptoms of RSV infection are similar to those of the common cold.

Sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, etc. may occur

However, in the case of infants, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly, serious complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia may occur.

So, if you have a fever, cough, wheezing, etc., it is recommended to consult a doctor.

RSV infection usually clears up on its own without treatment, but in severe cases it can lead to complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis, so it's a good idea to see your doctor if symptoms are severe or persist for a long time.

To prevent RSV infection, we recommend that you:

- Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.

RSV is spread by droplets or contact

- Infants at high risk of RSV infection may be given an injection of a monoclonal antibody called palivizumab. These injections are prophylactic for one month and must be given 5 times during the epidemic

- When RSV infection is prevalent, avoid crowded places and be careful of the spread of infection in postpartum care centers, neonatal rooms, and infant care facilities. Recently, five newborns were infected with RSV at a postpartum care center in Gangnam, Seoul.

Mortality rates from RSV infection vary by country and age group, but are generally low. In the UK, RSV infections cause 29,000 hospitalizations and 80 deaths each year, while in the US 58,000 hospitalizations and 500 deaths.

Although there are no exact statistics in Korea, it is estimated that the death rate from RSV infection is about 2.5 times higher than that from influenza.

RSV infection is an acute respiratory infection caused by infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause serious complications in infants and the elderly.

Unfortunately, there are currently no specific antiviral drugs to treat RSV infection, and most of them proceed with conservative treatment (infusions, antipyretics, etc.) according to symptoms.

Hospitalized infants may benefit from ribavirin aspiration therapy.

However, since many efforts are being made to develop an effective treatment and vaccine for RSV infection, I would like to believe that a good vaccine will come out someday.

Most RSV infections are cured naturally, so you can receive conservative treatment according to the symptoms.