Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus that is similar to smallpox. It is mostly found in Africa, but it has been seen in other parts of the world as well. It causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, as well as a rash that can last for weeks. Monkeypox has no proven treatment, but it usually goes away on its own. What is monkeypox? The monkeypox virus causes the rare disease monkeypox. It causes a rash as well as flu-like symptoms. It is a member of the orthopoxvirus family, like the more well-known virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 after two outbreaks of a pox-like disease in research groups of monkeys. It is primarily transmitted through human contact with infected rodents, but it can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Monkeypox virus has two known types (clades): one that originated in Central Africa and one that originated in West Africa. The less severe West African clade is responsible for the current global outbreak (2022). Who is affected by the monkeypox? Monkeypox can affect anyone. The majority of cases in Africa are among children under the age of 15. Outside of Africa, the disease appears to be more common in men who have sex with men, but there have been numerous cases in people who do not fit that description. Where else can you find monkeypox? Monkeypox was mostly seen in Africa for decades. It is, however, found in other countries, including the United States. The first outbreak of monkeypox outside of Africa occurred in the United States in the spring of 2003. Texas received a shipment of infected animals from Ghana. The virus was spread by infected rodents to pet prairie dogs, who then infected 47 people in the Midwest. As international travel becomes more common, viruses that were once confined to specific areas can more easily spread throughout the world. A case of monkeypox was discovered in a U.S. resident who had travelled from Nigeria to the United States in the summer of 2021. Then, in 2022, outbreaks spread to regions other than Africa, including Europe, the Americas, and Australia. How common is monkeypox? Monkeypox is uncommon. However, the number of cases is increasing in Africa, as well as in previously uninfected areas. What are the symptoms and signs of monkeypox? It may take several days to a few weeks after exposure to develop symptoms. Early symptoms of monkeypox include flu-like symptoms such as: Fever Chills Headache Muscle aches Fatigue Swollen lymph nodes A rash usually appears after a few days. The rash begins with flat, red bumps that can be painful. These bumps develop into blisters that fill with pus. The blisters eventually crust over and fall off; the entire process can take two to four weeks. Sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus are also possible. Not everyone who has monkeypox experiences all of the symptoms. In fact, many cases in the current (2022) outbreak are not following the typical pattern of symptoms. This unusual presentation includes only a few lesions, no swollen lymph nodes, a lower fever, and fewer other symptoms of illness. You can have it and be unaware of it. Even if you don’t show many symptoms of infection, you can still infect others through prolonged close contact. How do you catch monkeypox? Monkeypox is transmitted when you come into contact with an infected animal or person. Animal-to-person transmission occurs through broken skin, such as from bites or scratches, or through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or pox lesions of an infected animal (sores). Monkeypox can be transmitted from person to person, but it is uncommon. Person-to-person spread (transmission) occurs when you come into contact with an infected person’s sores, scabs, respiratory droplets, or oral fluids, typically through close, intimate situations such as cuddling, kissing, or sex. Researchers are still investigating whether the virus is transmitted through sperm or vaginal fluids. Monkeypox can also be contracted through contact with recently contaminated materials such as clothing, bedding, and other linens worn by an infected person or animal. Is monkeypox curable? Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease that typically lasts two to four weeks. The majority of people with monkeypox recover without treatment. Following a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will monitor your condition, try to relieve your symptoms, prevent dehydration, and prescribe antibiotics to treat any secondary bacterial infections that develop. There is no approved antiviral treatment for monkeypox at the moment. Antiviral medications may be beneficial, but they have not been studied as a treatment for monkeypox. There are several investigational antivirals with anti-monkeypox activity available, but only as part of a research study. How is monkeypox diagnosed? Because monkeypox is uncommon, your doctor may first suspect measles or chickenpox. Swollen lymph nodes, on the other hand, distinguish monkeypox from other poxes. To diagnose monkeypox, your doctor will take a tissue sample from an open sore (lesion). They then send it to a lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing (genetic fingerprinting). You may also be asked to provide a blood sample to test for the monkeypox virus or antibodies produced by your immune system. How do you prevent the monkeypox virus? A smallpox vaccine protects against monkeypox, but it is currently only used in clinical trials. Prevention relies on reducing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person transmission. The most effective way to help prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus is to: *Avoid coming into contact with infected animals (especially sick or dead animals). *Avoid coming into contact with contaminated bedding and other materials. *Cook all foods containing animal meat or parts thoroughly. *Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water. *Avoid contact with people who may have the virus. *Make use of condoms and dental dams when having sex. *When you’re around other people, wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose. *Surfaces that are frequently touched should be cleaned and disinfected. How should I
High-Calorie Snacks for Smarter Weight Gain Avocado Toast It’s popular for a reason! Avocado’s creamy texture pairs well with crispy, crunchy whole wheat bread. Spread half an avocado over two slices of toasted whole wheat bread, then season with salt and pepper. You’ll consume roughly 300 calories as well as a lot of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Full-Fat Yogurt With Fresh Berries and Honey Full-fat Greek yoghurt contains slightly more calories than regular yoghurt, so if you want to consume extra calories, pick Greek. One cup of whole milk Greek yoghurt contains approximately 238 calories compared to one cup of whole milk normal yoghurt, which has 149 calories. Stir a half-cup of fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries into a 6-ounce container of whole milk Greek yoghurt for a delicious afternoon snack or healthy dessert. To sweeten the bargain, drizzle with honey. Chopped nuts can be added for extra healthy fat, vitamin E, and magnesium. Ingredient Protein Balls These protein balls have it all, despite having just three ingredients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Not only that, but they’re a piece of cake to create! 1 ½ cup old-fashioned oats, 3 tablespoons honey, and 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter in a food processor Form into balls and you’re ready for some high-calorie, healthy eating. These bits also freeze nicely, so make extra to keep in the freezer. Pita Nachos In terms of health, not all nachos are made equal—but a Mediterranean-style version can be beneficial. Begin with whole wheat pita chips, then layer on hummus, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese. It’s a fun twist on a classic that you may even serve as a party snack. DIY Trail Mix Is there a more convenient snack than trail mix? Tossing together a mixture of your favourite nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and even chocolate is as simple as tossing items in a mixing basin and stirring. (And you don’t have to be trekking to enjoy this snack.) Include extra calories by adding banana chips, chocolate candies, and/or macadamia nuts, which are all heavy in fat. For easy grab-and-go simplicity, portion trail mix into zip-top baggies. Blueberry Tofu Smoothie We understand that “smoothie” and “tofu” don’t appear to go together. The benefit of incorporating silken tofu into a fruit smoothie is that it mixes easily, giving protein, calories, and bulk without drastically altering the taste. Peanut Butter on Graham Crackers It may appear easy, but sometimes the simplest solution is the best! Spread two tablespoons of creamy or crunchy peanut butter on two graham crackers for a snack high in calories and fat (19 grams). It will be much better if you can find (or prepare) whole wheat graham crackers. Crunchy Roasted Chickpea Wrap Beans and legumes are a no-brainer for lunch or supper, but these high-fibre, healthful foods can be difficult to squeeze in between meals. (After all, there aren’t many bean-based treats on grocery store shelves.) Crunchy roasted chickpeas are about to alter that! Drain the chickpeas and put them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and your chosen seasonings, then roast for about 20 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the roasted chickpeas on lavash bread with crumbled full-fat feta cheese. Cheese and Crackers Beans and legumes are a no-brainer for lunch or supper, but these high-fibre, healthful foods can be difficult to squeeze in between meals. 5 (After all, there aren’t many bean-based treats on grocery store shelves.) Crunchy roasted chickpeas are about to alter that! Drain the chickpeas and put them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and your chosen seasonings, then roast for about 20 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the roasted chickpeas on lavash bread with crumbled full-fat feta cheese. Egg Salad Bagel You may be acquainted with egg salad as a meal in and of itself, but it may also serve as a major weight-gain snack. Combine two hard-boiled eggs with a tablespoon of mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and, if preferred, a sprinkle of dried dill. Make a sandwich out of a sliced bagel that has been cut into quarters. Quinoa Dark Chocolate Bark A weight gain diet isn’t always about sweets, although it may surely contain them! Try quinoa dark chocolate bark for a guilt-free sweet treat. Toast a half cup of uncooked quinoa in a pot for a few minutes before melting 8 ounces of dark chocolate. Mix everything together, then spread it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then break into pieces. If you use high-quality dark chocolate, these chocolaty wedges are not only tasty but also packed in antioxidants. In addition, both quinoa and chocolate contain fiber.
0