Monkeypox - a cause for concern?
Ever since monkeypox became a topic in the media, parents have been asking whether it is also relevant for humans here and whether there is cause for concern, especially for children of course. Reason enough for us to take a look at the topic.
To start with: the answer is a very clear no. And it is not to be expected that monkeypox will cause problems for us and our children.
To explain: this virus has been around for a long time and there have been two strains for a long time. And one of these sub-types (type 1) has mutated in recent years (now called type 1b) and can now also be transmitted from person to person. Previously, transmission was only possible from rodents or monkeys to humans, hence the name. Now sub-type 1b is also transmitted from person to person. Sexual contact or other very, very close physical contact is necessary for infection. That's the good news. The bad news is that the virus has a long incubation period, estimated at around 21 days, which means that people who do not yet have any symptoms may also be contagious.
The following symptoms are typical: you come down with a fever, aching limbs and the typical blisters/pox. Their contents are highly contagious.
In Africa, the virus is currently particularly rampant among young women and children and there is a relatively high mortality rate there due to poor medical care. Fortunately, experts do not expect this to be the case in Europe in the event of an outbreak, as it can be assumed that medical care is much better here.
First and foremost, however, it should be ensured that the virus does not reach Europe on a relevant scale in the first place. So far, there has only been one case in Sweden.
The most important thing is and remains: There is currently no relevant risk in Germany. However, it is certainly good and important that vaccinations are being carried out in the affected countries in Africa and that the World Health Organisation is keeping an eye on ensuring that the virus does not spread further.
Further interesting tips
"Screen-free from three" campaign
Screen-free until three - Formatted textDocument A nationwide campaign has been launched in many German paediatric practices this week: "Screen-free until three". We are taking part - even at the risk of offending parents ...
School against children
Silke Müller, former headmistress and now one of the most incisive voices for digital ethics and educational justice as an author and speaker, has published a new book: "Schule gegen Kinder" (School versus Children) is a sharp appraisal of our school system and deals with the question of the extent to which our school system prepares children for life in a digitalised world.
Death and mourning
When there is a bereavement in the immediate family, parents often have many worries and uncertainties about how to deal with their children in this situation, in addition to their own grief. Doc talked to Gabriele Schmidt-Klehring, who has been offering bereavement counselling for children and young people in Schorndorf for over 20 years, about what needs to be considered.