Health: Protecting yourself against Monkeypox
Just last week, Monkeypox was declared an outbreak by the World Health Organization (WHO). But what impact does it have on the sex work lifestyle?
So let’s put into perspective of how many reports so far. When the WHO declared the Monkeypox an outbreak, there was 16,000 reported cases. There are also a world population of 8 Billion people. So simple math shows that the chances of you getting this is less than a percent (about .0002%). But with reported cases around the world and in California, where I live, there is still a reason for concern.
We are involved with an industry that is always in close proximity to one other and we need to take this seriously. Now unlike COVID where we did not have vaccines and had to develop those basically on the fly, Monkeypox vaccines have been around with the vaccine of Smallpox. Monkeypox is a cousin to Smallpox and isn’t as deadly as Smallpox.
Symptoms
What are Symptons of Monkeypox? Well there is the obvious and physical trait of blisters or a rash that can appear anywhere on the body. But there are also other traits such as Fever, Headaches, Muscle Aches, and a lack of energy. But those lasts traits also sound very familiar to a flu, cold, or COVID. That kind of makes it hard to pin down if it is Monkeypox. So the best way is to just look at your skin while in a mirror.
How is it contracted?
So unlike COVID which is airborne, this as it spreads through physical contact. And in the world that we work and participate in, we are constantly touching one another. Another way is different forms of cloth like cloths, towels, and beddings.
If you did contract Monkeypox recent and have since recovered, I would recommend to do a full wash of your cloths and you bed sheets.
What to do if you get Monkeypox?
If you get Monkeypox, Isolate yourself and look into getting the vaccine. But in the meantime, you can also do the following.
Try to keep the skin dry and do not cover it.
Do not scratch it.
Baths with baking soda or Epsom salt.
Use salt water to rinse your mouth daily.
Simple things you can do before a shoot
It is currently recommended that if you have not had a smallpox vaccine within the last three years, you may want to look into getting one now. However since there really hasn’t been a huge reason to get one in the past, the stock for the vaccine is low and you may need to wait before a new shipment comes out.
Provide and request a written or email statement from talent saying that they have not gotten the Monkeypox within 30 days.
Before going to a shoot, make sure you look yourself over in the mirror. Make sure you do not see any beginning rashes or blister like pimples.
Also while at a shoot, you can also request whatever talent to allow you to inspect them before performing.
What’s Next?
Well not a whole lot. It’s just a patiently wait and see game. There is no test that can catch Monkeypox out there, so it is important to talk to people you are working with to ensure health risks is being minimized as much as possible.
Another thing is that, If I hear anyone in the community getting Monkeypox, I will let everyone know here on my site. However, I will not disclose who has contracted Monkeypox due to legal restrictions, I will be providing a general area of where the report came from so you can make an informed decision to make precautionary steps to ensure your safety.
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