Everything you need to know about Monkey Pox and health insurance

As the world is returning to normalcy post the Covid-19 pandemic, another virus threat is looming over us called Monkeypox. Since early May 2022, many cases of Monkeypox have been reported across 12 countries, and are spreading fast worldwide.

Monkeypox is an infection that is caused by a zoonotic virus called Monkeypox virus. This dangerous virus can be transmitted from animals to humans. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), the incubation period of Monkeypox is usually about 6-13 days, but depending on the severity of the condition, it can extend up to 21 days. Incubation period is essentially the period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of symptoms.

Monkeypox symptoms

As mentioned earlier, it takes about one to three weeks from contacting the virus before you notice or experience any symptoms. Medical experts have observed that the Monkeypox symptoms are very similar to those seen in smallpox patients in the past. However, Monkeypox symptoms are much milder.

The most common symptoms are:

• Rashes on the face, hands, and legs

• Fever

• Dry cough

• Sore muscles

• Fatigue

• Chills

• Feeling of extreme tiredness

• Swollen lymph (only in extreme cases)

Monkeypox preventive measures

They say, prevention is better than cure. And it perfectly applies to Monkeypox. It is advisable to take appropriate preventive measures to avoid contracting the virus than taking treatment for it. To prevent yourself from contracting the virus, you must –

• Avoid petting or touching any sick animals

• Maintain a distance from any infected animal or human

• If you have to take care of an infected animal or person, always use protective gear like masks, gloves

If you think you have contracted the disease, or came in contract with an infected person, you must immediately consult a doctor, and do the below things for at least 21 days:

• Check your body temperature regularly

• Isolate yourself immediately

• Conduct test to know about your health condition due to Monkeypox infection

Monkeypox treatment

So far, there is no specific treatment available for Monkeypox. However, if you have contracted the virus, the doctor may recommend some medications for fever and fatigue based on the severity of the infection and put you on a fluid diet.

Some researchers worldwide suggest that smallpox vaccine is around 80% effective in treating Monkeypox. However, it may cause minor side-effects like mild fever, itching, and redness.

Monkeypox and health insurance

Covid-19 pandemic taught us all an important lesson, i.e., be prepared in advance for medical adversity and have a health insurance policy. Health insurance policy plays a vital role in helping you get financial protection against the hospitalisation and other treatment expenses.

If you are wondering, if Monkeypox is covered under your Health Insurance policy? You must understand that all infectious diseases, including Monkeypox, are usually covered under the basic health insurance plan. So, if you are diagnosed with the disease and need hospitalisation, you can claim the expenses under your health insurance policy.

However, it is better to read the policy’s terms and conditions, and ask your insurer specifically about the Monkeypox coverage before raising a claim. That being said, you must secure your and your family’s health with a comprehensive health insurance policy.

If you are looking for the best healthcare plan, you can consider buying a health insurance plan from our Health insurance page. You have plenty of options, and you can choose a policy to suit your specific needs and affordability. Visit the our Zurich Kotak General Insurance website to know more about their policies.