Monkeypox Updates and Summer Hydration Tips
Monkeypox – An update and summary for members
We know that our members have many questions and concerns about Monkeypox. We hope to address them here.
Monkeypox is a viral infection that causes a skin rash that can look like pimples or blisters. In addition to the rash, people with monkeypox can experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body aches. Symptoms usually appear within 7-14 days after exposure, but the full range is 5-21 days. Since May 2022 there have been over 5,000 cases in the US with over 100 cases in Massachusetts. Most cases have been mild and have not required hospitalization; no deaths have been reported in the United States.
Monkeypox is spread through close, often skin-to-skin contact. It can also be spread through handling personal items such as clothing or linens from an infected person. During the current outbreak, a key risk factor is close or intimate contact between men who have sex with men. However, monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted infection; anyone who has had close, physical contact with an infected person can contract the virus.
Most people who contract monkeypox will have a self-limited illness; only those patients who develop severe disease, those at risk of developing severe disease, and those with specific areas of infection where monkeypox might pose a special hazard are eligible for treatment. Current available treatment involves the use of an antiviral medication approved for treatment of smallpox infection and accessible through an investigational protocol. Only your physician, working with the Mass General Brigham infectious diseases team can determine if you are a candidate for treatment.
There is a vaccine for monkeypox; however, supply is very limited at this time and solely distributed by the CDC. The vaccine requires two shots, 28 days apart for maximum effectiveness. People are considered fully vaccinated about two weeks after their second shot. However, it is still advised that people who get vaccinated should continue to protect themselves from infection by avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact, including intimate contact, with someone who has monkeypox. Vaccination is only available to individuals who meet eligibility criteria.
Individuals eligible for vaccination include known contacts identified by public health specialists, presumed contacts including those with a known sexual partner in the past 14 days that was diagnosed with monkeypox, and those with multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days in a jurisdiction with known monkeypox. It is expected that the Massachusetts DPH will expand eligibility if and when more doses are received from the CDC. At present, those members eligible for vaccination may schedule an appointment by contacting specific locations.
To learn more about monkeypox and the current outbreak, we encourage members to use the Mass General Brigham Monkeypox FAQs page.
Better Hydration for Hot and Humid Summer Days
Longer days and beautiful weather have most of us spending more time outdoors. As you increase your time in the heat, it can also increase your risk for dehydration. Make sure you are drinking water and healthy fluids with electrolytes throughout the day. Some of our favorites include maple water, coconut water, or cooled broth. To add some flavor to your water, add lemon slices with a tiny pinch of salt and a small splash of apple cider vinegar for a probiotic boost. Other great options to add to water include cut fruit, sliced cucumbers, or frozen berries. If you find it challenging to drink enough fluids, you can help support your hydration by eating foods with high water content like cucumbers, tomatoes, kiwis, watermelon and strawberries.
Special September Synergy Kitchen Event with the Mental Fitness Kitchen and Dr. Drew Ramsey
We are thrilled to announce a special guest-chef-led event to kick off the return of our culinary medicine series in September! On Monday, September 19th at 6pm we hope you’ll join us to prepare nutrient-dense foods for brain growth with popular and renown nutritional psychiatrist, Dr. Drew Ramsey, and Chef Emilie Berner of the Mental Fitness Kitchen.
Drew Ramsey, MD @DrewRamseyMD is a psychiatrist, author, and farmer. His work focuses on clinical excellence, nutritional interventions and creative media. He is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and in active telemedicine clinical practice based in New York City.
His work has been featured by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lancet Psychiatry, The Today Show, BBC, and NPR and he has given three TEDx talks. He is the co-author of the Antidepressant Food Scale and his e-courses on Nutritional Psychiatry education for the public and clinicians. His books Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety (Harperwave 2021), Eat Complete, 50 Shades of Kale, and The Happiness Diet explore the connections between mental health and nutrition. He is on the Advisory Board at Men’s Health, the Editorial Board at Medscape Psychiatry, and is a member of the Well+Good Wellness Council.
Emilie Berner, MA, IHC, is a health coach and chef. In addition to her leadership in the Mental Fitness Kitchen, she has expertise teaching cooking & nutrition, and works with clients to better manage their health through dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Emilie received her Masters Degree in Food Studies from New York University, and her health coaching certification from Duke Integrative Medicine. She trained at The Natural Gourmet Institute for Health Supportive Culinary Arts, and is the Chef & Coordinator at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital’s Teaching Kitchen, where she also manages the organic garden.
We hope you will join us for a fun evening filled with food to power your brain and a Q&A with one of the most knowledgeable people in the field, Dr. Ramsey.
This article does not constitute the practice of medicine, healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always talk to your healthcare provider regarding your specific medical needs.