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Original poster

Monkey pox

41 replies

12Thorns · 07/06/2022 18:47

Has anyone had monkey pox, seen monkey pox or known anyone with monkey pox?

i have my suspicions about someone I know, but not really sure how likely this is

OP posts:
TheVolturi · 08/06/2022 10:25

Doveyouknow · 08/06/2022 09:51

If he is gay and living in London then he is at high risk, so I would suspect it's monkey pox. While you are at less risk because of your age you should still get tested and your friend should as well asap. That way they can trace contacts.

Why is being gay a higher risk?

Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 12:51

Ok I’ve spoken to friend and gp. Friend doesn’t think he has been anywhere to get monkey pox from but is going to be tested anyway. Gp thinks I’m safe being over 50 so going in to work this afternoon

OP posts:
Joystir59 · 08/06/2022 12:54

It's apparently spreading amongst men who have sex with men, BUT this is NOT a sexually transmitted disease, it just so happens as a coincidence. A gay friend wonders if there is any connection between the effects of immuno suppressant hiv drugs and this virus gaining traction in the gay community.

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General health
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 08/06/2022 13:05

Why does over 50 mean you're protected?

OhYouBadBadKitten · 08/06/2022 13:10

I guess older people may well have had the smallpox vaccine and that appears to give good protection against monkey pox.

Dodoassociated · 08/06/2022 13:27

Your GP is rubbish then - anyone can get monkeypox, the only reason it's spreading amongst young people is because that's the age group where the outbreak is; it is not just young men though

@Joystir59 I wondered the same, but seems that not all of the people are actually taking HIV medication, PREP or PEP.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 08/06/2022 13:38

OhYouBadBadKitten · 08/06/2022 13:10

I guess older people may well have had the smallpox vaccine and that appears to give good protection against monkey pox.

Interesting, I've had the vaccine.

Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 17:42

Dodoassociated · 08/06/2022 13:27

Your GP is rubbish then - anyone can get monkeypox, the only reason it's spreading amongst young people is because that's the age group where the outbreak is; it is not just young men though

@Joystir59 I wondered the same, but seems that not all of the people are actually taking HIV medication, PREP or PEP.

But not if you are old enough to have had the small pox vaccination. Which leaves a permanent scar. So I’ve very clearly had it

OP posts:
HereIAmBrainTheSizeOfAPlanet · 08/06/2022 17:45

12Thorns · 07/06/2022 20:17

Maybe I will go back and speak to him. I am a bit worried tbh

Yes, spending more time with someone with a contagious disease is a good idea.

Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 17:47

HereIAmBrainTheSizeOfAPlanet · 08/06/2022 17:45

Yes, spending more time with someone with a contagious disease is a good idea.

Show quote history

Well the rash was on his back so he can’t really see it himself

OP posts:
whenwillthemadnessend · 08/06/2022 20:12

I'm
51 and 100% sure I was never given a small pox injection. Think it was stopped. I did read the date but I forgot it. I'll
Look it up and post back.

whenwillthemadnessend · 08/06/2022 20:14

It was stopped in 1971 and was given to babies at one year old so I didn't get it. How far into 50 are you op.

Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 20:25

I’m 53. And I have a very clear small pox vaccination scar

OP posts:
Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 20:26

It leaves a permanent scar

OP posts:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 08/06/2022 21:25

12Thorns · 08/06/2022 20:26

It leaves a permanent scar

Yes it does!

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