ONE CONFIRMED CASE of mpox in a Mandaluyong condominium was all it took for social media to do what it does best—turn one health story into a full-blown disaster movie.
Suddenly, people are wondering if we’re about to relive 2020.
We’re not.
At least, there’s no evidence of that.
So, what is mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection. It usually starts like many other illnesses—with fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and feeling generally miserable. Then comes the rash. It can begin as small spots before turning into fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry up and scab over.
Most people recover within two to four weeks without needing hospitalization.
How do you catch it?
This is where facts matter more than Facebook posts.
Mpox spreads mainly through close physical contact with someone who has the virus. That means touching the rash or body fluids, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, or handling contaminated items like towels, bedsheets, or clothing.
Can it spread through respiratory droplets? Yes—but it usually takes prolonged, face-to-face contact. It doesn’t hang in the air the way measles does, and it’s nowhere near as contagious as COVID-19.
You don’t get mpox because someone shared an elevator with you.
Is it highly contagious?
No.
If it were, we’d be seeing hundreds of new cases from a single patient. That’s not what’s happening.
Most transmission occurs among people who live together, care for an infected person, or have very close physical contact. That’s why health officials focus on identifying contacts instead of locking down entire cities.
Should you be worried?
Concerned? Yes.
Panicked? That’s a waste of energy.
The bigger threat right now isn’t the virus. It’s the speed at which bad information spreads. Every itchy mosquito bite becomes “possible mpox.” Every random rash becomes breaking news.
We’ve been through this before.
A little caution goes a long way. Wash your hands. Don’t share towels or bedding with someone who’s sick. If you develop a suspicious rash—especially with fever or swollen glands—see a doctor instead of consulting your favorite conspiracy theorist on social media.
The Acupuncture Angle
Let’s keep this honest.
Acupuncture does not prevent mpox, and it doesn’t cure it.
Could it help someone sleep better or feel less anxious while recovering? Possibly. That’s well within its strengths. But if you think a few needles can replace proper medical care for a viral infection, you’re putting your faith in the wrong point.
The Certified Prick Says…
Viruses don’t spread because people are informed. They spread because people ignore symptoms, hide illness, or believe nonsense they read online.
Keep your head. Keep your distance from anyone with an unexplained rash. Listen to credible health advice, not the loudest voice on your feed.
And remember: panic has infected far more people than mpox ever will.
I guess mpox in a way is like herpes zoster. You cannot be contaminated unless you touch, or stay with someone who has it.
Good point, Augusto. There are similarities in that close contact increases the risk, but they’re caused by different viruses and behave differently. The key takeaway: don’t panic, don’t stigmatize people, and don’t ignore obvious symptoms. Common sense is still the best first line of defense
Thanks for this very timely reminder!
Thank you, Susan! That’s exactly why I wrote it. Health information is most useful before we need it. Stay informed, stay alert, and stay healthy!
Be cautious but don’t panic.
Thanks for letting us know what is mpox it’s symptoms and manifestations
Thank you, Oseng! You’ve summed up the whole column in one sentence: Be cautious, not panicked. Fear spreads faster than viruses these days, so accurate information is our best protection.
That is true Gwen, we need accurate information, for our protection. Especially nowadays when false information and fake news are intentionally promoted.
Read and Noted ✅️
Thank you Weng, for Always around On Point.
Salamat, Trinnah! Your support means a lot. I’ll keep doing my best to deliver health information that’s practical, timely, and hopefully worth reading until the last paragraph. Stay well!
Thanks again for this posting and reminding us about the mpox, it really helps a lot specially for me as a Senior citizen to be really concern when it comes to health matters. Speaking of acupuncture as well that indeed it was very true. I had it many years ago and at first I was scared because I thought it’s gonna hurt but I was wrong. It didn’t hurt and funny thing that I fell asleep at the clinic that I was so relax, my mind and body that somewhat it fixed and reduced the stress level. Actually I’m in the process again of doing so, Health is Wealth, if I can spend money in buying ir drinking alcohol then why hesitate to spend it on health. I suggest to anyone that Acupuncture is GREAT for our body
Antonio, thank you for sharing your experience. I smiled when you said you fell asleep during acupuncture—that happens more often than people think! Relaxation is one of its underrated benefits. And I couldn’t agree more with your philosophy: investing in your health will always give better returns than investing in habits that harm it. Wishing you continued good health, and thank you for encouraging others to take better care of themselves. The Certified Prick approves! 😉
Again, thanks for this informative piece Gwenn. You’re right, there’s nothing more contagious and dangerous than a misinformed online read. People should be more careful.
Thank you so much! That means a lot. My goal is to replace fear with facts and remind people that not everything shared online deserves to be believed. A few minutes spent checking reliable sources can protect us from a lot of unnecessary panic. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts!