The Monkeypox outbreak originating from Africa is spreading around the globe. Some countries like the United States, it is spreading more like a sexually transmitted disease such as HIV. This virus is not only spread sexually and we NEED to be aware of how the virus is spread. It has a more silent and sneaky way it could become a pandemic. Understanding the facts of monkeypox such as the routes of transmission and how society as a whole might handle this virus may help us survive another pandemic situation.

Have you heard of the phrase, ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil‘? The phrase is portrayed as a sculpture of three monkeys. One monkey covers its eyes, another monkey covers its ears, and the last monkey covers its mouth. There are many different meanings depicted from this statue over the ages of time. Applying this monkey phrase to the current situation of the monkeypox outbreak might help us understand how society might handle this virus.

One way people see this proverb is by turning a blind eye. This means pretending they didn’t see anything, hear anything, and won’t speak of anything. When talking about monkeypox, people of society might behave in this way by seeing someone they know with pox like sores on them, but turn the other way to avoid confrontation with their friend. That same person with pox like sores, might turn a blind eye by telling themselves that the lesions are something else and not a contagious virus like monkeypox. These examples are not good to prevent the spread of monkeypox.

Another way the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil phrase could be interpreted is by not dwelling on evil thoughts. Meaning to not partake in these evil actions and not be engulfed by evil thoughts. With this way of thinking, society could take preventive measures to prevent monkeypox from becoming a pandemic and incorporate those measures as a daily practice to the point worries about the virus doesn’t overwhelm our thoughts. On another hand, Instead of turning a blind eye, some people can become so worrisome that relationships around them begin to break and mania can take over their emotions.

To prevent any unbalanced thoughts bringing evil into our minds and to learn more about monkeypox instead of turning a blind eye, here are some ways to stay safe and stay joyful even about any type of monkey reference.

Understanding how monkeypox is spread

The CDC is still researching to confirm how the virus is transmitted and this should signal a warning sign that this virus could act in a way we don’t expect. Expect the unexpected when dealing with a pandemic prone virus. It is pandemic prone because the incubation period could last up to 21 days or three weeks in some cases. Since there is still research going on with this virus, it’s unclear how many of those days a person is infectious and just how infectious.

The Cleveland Clinic says the virus is ‘typically’ spread from skin to skin contact, but the virus can also linger on surfaces. The ‘surface lingering’ is quite worrisome as the virus can remain active on surfaces for 15 days, but we will discuss how to prevent infection from surfaces to prevent worrying too much.

The lesions are most infectious from the start to the end when they crust and fall off. Monkeypox cases may get the lesions on their hands increasing risk of transmission. Crusts from the sores can also come off onto towels and blankets or even couches that could spread the virus.

To our knowledge, monkeypox is not an airborne virus but can be spread through mucus membranes so sharing drinks, food, utensils, and coming into direct physical contact with those mucus membranes can also spread the virus.

The last mode of transmission is by actually coming into contact with an animal infected with the virus such as a monkey, but could also come from other small animals.

Prevention measures to help stop the spread of monkeypox

Since we are faced with yet again a new virus we are still researching, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst in order to try and survive the next pandemic.

Since lesions can be found on the hands of those infectious and the virus can last up to 15 days on surfaces, gloves will become very important in preventing the spread of the virus. Just like masks have become an important way to survive COVID-19 pandemic, gloves could be just as important for monkeypox.

Instead of seeing no evil and turning a blind eye with someone showing signs of monkeypox on their hands, wish them well and hand them a pair of gloves. It’s possible they will still see no evil and not take your offering, but you wearing gloves and trying to prevent the spread is worth many praises.

Winter time might work in or favor but might now to prevent this virus from becoming a pandemic. Long sleeve clothes, scarves, jackets and gloves may keep the virus from spreading, but cold weather may bring close contact on those long lonely winter days.

Remember to know the signs and symptoms to avoid exposure: CDC signs and symptoms of monkeypox.

Avoid sharing drinks and food with people. If you’re afraid of being socially awkward, carry a straw with you to try someone’s drink and then encourage the use of reusable straws to help save the sea turtles. Turn it into a conversation starter instead!

Here is an extensive detailed list on how to disinfect the home from the CDC. It talks about how to properly do laundry, how to handle upholstered furniture, how to dust safely and how to clean hard surfaces.

Additional measures to prepare for a virus and improve well-being

Avoiding skin to skin contact with someone who is infected, avoiding contact with objects a person with monkeypox has used, and washing your hands frequently is the preventive measures from the CDC currently. Here are some more options you can consider in the areas of preventative medicine and supporting well-being:

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