Monkeypox has been confusing and scary for patients and providers alike, especially on the heels of the Covid pandemic that we’re still facing. The World Health Organization named it a public health emergency and global outbreak, as has the CDC, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s as scary as it sounds.
At the time of this episode, there have been about 7,000 cases in the United States, predominantly in patients who are cis-male and have sex with other cis-males (MSM), although this is a virus that can affect any patient. It’s not sexually transmitted, as has been reported in the news (misinformation).
Even though any person can be infected with monkeypox, we need to make sure that the most vulnerable populations are getting the access to care, education, and support they need-- at the current time means especially our patients who are men who have sex with men.
It’s extremely important to educate yourself and your patients about what monkeypox is and what it isn’t-- stigma about symptoms, testing and treatment are what contribute to the spread of outbreaks.
In this episode, we cover:
Check out the links we referenced in this episode for images of monkeypox on a variety of skin tones and stages, and link to phone numbers of the departments of public health by state.
CDC images of monkeypox
Department of public health numbers
Further information from the CDC for medical providers is here
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Please note: This episode is intended only for medical providers and students learning to be medical providers.
While anyone is welcome to view and listen, for legal and safety reasons, we are unable to diagnose, treat, or answer medical questions for individuals through this channel. We always refer individuals back to their primary care providers for medical care.
If you’re a medical provider or student and have specific patient cases you have questions about, I cannot answer those here but would love to help you inside our mentorship program! Join the waitlist at https://www.realworldnp.com/mentoring.
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