The coronavirus has taken us on a roller coaster ride, and we are understandably concerned about future mutations. Monkeypox is the last thing we need at this time, and it is spreading between countries. But the two diseases are very dissimilar. We explain how monkeypox virus is different from COVID in this short post.
The Big Difference Between COVID and Monkeypox
This Is Not Going to Be Another Pandemic
Deborah Fuller is a microbiologist at University of Washington, Medicine who studies viruses and vaccines. She told Seattle Times on May 25, 2022 Monkeypox is not going to be another pandemic.
“Just hang tight,” she recommends. “The information is going to get out there, and … once public health recommendations come out, it’s going to be easy to avoid for most people.” The transmission paths are very different.
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The Big Difference is How We Share The Two Viruses
People mostly get sick from the Coronavirus by inhaling breath from people with the disease. However, the big difference between COVID and Monkeypox is the latter spreads by physical contact between people.
“It usually has to be a situation where you’re standing face-to-face with someone and they’re spitting on you,” Fuller emphasizes. “In addition to direct contact with cuts or bodily fluids.”
The Risk of Serious Disease Is Somewhat Lower
Monkeypox is usually a self-limiting skin infection that clears in 2 to 4 weeks. However, INEWS does confirm it can have complications. The case fatality rate could be around 3% to 6% if not treated, with young children at higher risk.
Therefore the obvious thing to do is see a doctor if you have an unusual rash, particularly from your waist down. Although you could also have it on your arms, legs and even your face. It would be socially correct to avoid close contact with other people, if you suspect you may have it yourself.
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