Monkeypox Outbreak: Why I Am Not Afraid and Why You Shouldn't Be

When it comes to the monkeypox outbreak, I am not at all scared. How about you? Here’s why I remain calm and the reasons behind my perspective.

Not Afraid of Monkeypox: My Perspective

First of all, I’m not afraid of contracting monkeypox. Given that it’s relatively easy to prevent by avoiding close contact, it poses a much lower threat compared to diseases like COVID-19.

The Mechanisms of Transmission

Monkeypox is spread through contact with an infected animal, such as a gopher or a prairie dog, which are common carriers. The virus can also be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, which explains why locker rooms and similar environments might pose a risk. However, maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding close contact with potentially infected individuals can significantly reduce the risk.

Comparison with COVID-19

While monkeypox is not as highly contagious as COVID-19, which is airborne, it is still a serious disease. The physical disfigurement and higher death rate (around 5%) of monkeypox compared to the peak of COVID-19 (around 3%) make it a concern. However, a smallpox vaccination—and there are existing vaccines for monkeypox—can help prevent the disease.

Prevention and Vaccination

The key to preventing monkeypox is to avoid close contact with infected individuals and animals. A smallpox vaccination, recommended by the CDC and other health sources, is effective at preventing monkeypox. My son, who has a demanding job, has already made an appointment for the smallpox vaccine. This vaccine has a long history of protecting against similar diseases.

Risk Assessment

Given that monkeypox is a contact virus, the risk is much lower than that of an airborne disease like COVID-19. The fact that it requires direct contact with an infected person who has a rash means the risk is mitigated significantly. While the disease is concerning, the existence of an effective vaccine and the ease of transmission make it less fearsome than some might think.

Conclusion

While any life-threatening disease is concerning, monkeypox poses a different threat than COVID-19. It is much harder to transmit and there are effective ways to prevent it. Stay informed, take precautions, and don’t panic. Let’s see how the situation develops, but for now, I remain confident.