What is Monkeypox and how is it affecting the LGBTQ population?
Monkeypox is considered to be a disease that is caused by infection from someone who may have the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is spread through close intimate contact with infectious sores, bodily fluids, or what is known as contact materials that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
According to the CDC, you can take steps to prevent from getting monkey pox and lowering your risk during sex by first talking to your healthcare provider if concerns come up for you due to exposure. There are currently vaccinations available if you have been exposed or if you are considered high risk to exposures.
If you start to experience flu like symptoms and or notice a rash consult your doctor for further evaluation. So, outside of getting vaccinated there are other methods you can also take for prevention. You can minimize your exposure by making sure to properly wash your hands before consuming foods and after using the restroom. Also, before or during sexual intercourse if you notice any type of rash on yourself or your partner immediately stop the activity and again consult with your doctor. It is important to make sure you consider cleaning and disinfecting your home if you feel you may have been exposed. Most people do not consider the importance of disinfecting their laundry to prevent and eliminate contact from spreading inside the home.
Also, keep in mind if you have any concerns at your workplace your employers must comply with OSHA standards and guidelines to ensure your safety. They are to provide you with the proper equipment to complete the task with the least risk. Lastly, you can help in reducing stigmas and marginalization within the LGBTQ community by speaking up. If you see someone who is not respecting someone’s boundaries for their health you can share some of this information with them Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communication. Remember that no matter what you are your #1 health advocate!
Sources:
CDC. 2022. Reducing stigma in communication and community engagement. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/reducing-stigma.html.
CDC. June 3, 2022. 5 Things to Know about Monkeypox . Youtube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/9GziSwQTo4A.
