Are Gay Men More Vulnerable to Monkeypox: Overcoming the Fear and Stigma

Since the start of the worldwide monkeypox pandemic in Europe in May, it has become evident that gay males with several sexual partners are the most vulnerable.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men who have sex with other men account for 98 percent of all individuals afflicted with monkeypox.

While public health authorities advise Americans to be responsible and limit their sexual contacts, many individuals brush aside these pleas because they want to resume regular life, go out, and meet people after being restricted for two years due to COVID-19.

What Is Monkeypox and How to Recognize It?

Monkeypox is a rare illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same viral family as the variola virus (which causes smallpox). As a result, the symptoms of monkeypox are comparable to those of smallpox but milder and less lethal.

The main symptom of monkeypox is a blistering rash typically located on or near the genitals and anus. Still, it can also be on the face, mouth, hands, feet, or chest.

Other symptoms of monkeypox include fever, muscular pains, swollen lymph nodes, headache, chills, and tiredness. Respiratory symptoms like sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion are also possible.

The symptoms typically start within three weeks of virus exposure and last 2-4 weeks.

Does Monkeypox Infection Spread Faster Among Gay and Bisexual Men?

Although men who have sex with men, particularly those with multiple partners, account for most affected group, the primary factor in transmitting the disease, regardless of sexual orientation, is the multiplicity of sexual partners.

So, irrespective of sexual orientation, everyone who has close personal contact with someone who has gotten monkeypox is at risk.

The virus can also be passed on through physical contact that isn't sexual, long-term face-to-face contact, and sharing contaminated items.

However, since most confirmed monkeypox cases are gay and bisexual men, the health authorities encourage the homosexual community to be particularly cautious.

The Stigma and Mental Health Implications of Monkeypox

Unfortunately, monkeypox is often labeled as a sexually transmitted infection. Many who recovered carry mental health wounds or face stigma around monkeypox. Although anybody may get monkeypox, the disease is stigmatized, similar to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s, since homosexual sex is still stigmatized by a part of the population in the United States.

In the event of an illness, such social stigma may have various negative consequences, causing those who have contracted the virus to be stereotyped and discriminated against.

People sick with monkeypox may hide the disease out of fear of being stigmatized, putting their health at risk and possibly exacerbating the outbreak in their communities.

Furthermore, many people who contracted monkeypox were terrified since they had no idea what was happening or how deadly the disease was.

This may be stressful for an affected individual and their loved ones.

How to Deal with It?

The best way to raise awareness and seek the help you need is to learn more about monkeypox signs and symptoms, how it's transmitted, and how it might affect you.

What to Do to Prevent Monkeypox?

You can take some steps to minimize your chances of contracting the disease and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Consider making some changes to your lifestyle, at least while the outbreak is ongoing. Be pragmatic and accountable, understanding that this is only a temporary measure to keep yourself safe.

Some public health professionals advise those at risk to minimize the number of sex partners or avoid sex if they get ill.

Keep an eye out and try to find a balance between staying healthy and keeping your freedom of choice and behavior.

Try not to be overly worried, but if you develop any symptoms that might look like monkeypox, contact your doctor for further advice.

Reduce the Chances of Transmission

If you have monkeypox symptoms, isolate yourself at home and avoid sharing personal items with others in your household.

In addition, since monkeypox can also spread to animals, it would be a good idea to find your pet a place to stay until you get better.

How Serious Can Monkeypox Get? And what to Do If I Catch It?

Although fatalities from monkeypox have been rare, more than a dozen people have died globally from the virus.

If you have an unusual rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, muscular pains, chills, or feel extremely tired, contact your health provider by phone and follow their instructions.

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