Lymphatic drainage is a therapeutic technique that can play a vital role in boosting your immune system, making it more effective in fighting infections like Mpox (monkeypox). The lymphatic system is a crucial part of your body’s immune defense, helping to remove toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials from your body. By stimulating lymphatic drainage, you can enhance the flow of lymph fluid, which carries immune cells throughout your body, helping to identify and eliminate pathogens like the monkeypox virus more efficiently.

Regular lymphatic drainage can improve the circulation of immune cells, reduce inflammation, and promote the removal of viruses and bacteria. This process not only strengthens your immune response, but also supports overall health, making your body more resilient against infections like Mpox. Incorporating lymphatic drainage into your wellness routine can be an effective strategy to bolster your immune system and protect against viral threats.

Swollen lymph nodes? Mpox symptoms and progression

Monkeypox is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, but recent outbreaks in regions where the virus is not typically found have sparked global concern. These outbreaks have prompted increased surveillance, vaccination efforts, and public health measures to control the virus’s spread.

From 2023 to 2024, there were 160 new cases of Mpox reported: 153 in England, 3 in Scotland, 1 in Wales, and 3 in Northern Ireland. Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is related to the smallpox virus. A notable symptom of Mpox is lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), which is a response of the immune system as it fights the infection. This swelling can occur in various regions, including the neck, armpits, and groin, and may affect lymph nodes on one or both sides of the body.

How can I get the Mpox?

From animals to Human :

• It is spread by rodents: rats, squirrels and mice.
• Infected animal bite.
• By touching  blood, body fluids, spots, blisters, scabs, skin or fur.
• Ingesting poorly cooked meat from an infected animal.

From person-to-person: 

• Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash.
• The coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox rash.
• Direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions or scabs.

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox? 

First period

The incubation period (before first symptoms) is usually 7−14 days, but can range from 5−21 days.

• High temperature
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Shivering (chills)
• Exhaustion
• Swollen lymph nodes

Second period

Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:

• Macules. It is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin (less than 1cm wide). 
• Papules. Raised area of skin tissue ( less than 1 cm around). 
• Vesicles. Small fluid-filled sacs.
• Pustules. Bulging patch of skin that’s full of a yellowish fluid (pus).
• Scabs. Patches of dry, tough skin that form over a wound during the process of healing.

Monkeypox typically lasts 2−4 weeks. Currently, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that the risk of Mpox to the general population in the UK is considered low, although health authorities remain vigilant for potential new cases and variants.

How can I avoid getting Monkeypox?

Here, some tips to keep you out of this virus:

• Regular hand wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Only consume meat that is well-cooked.
• Don’t be close to infected animals or people.

Conclusion

In short, Mpox is characterized by a range of symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, which serve as a key indicator of the disease. The lymphatic system’s response to the infection highlights its role in the body’s defense mechanisms against viral pathogens. Understanding these symptoms can aid in the early identification and management of Monkeypox cases.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.who.int/podcasts/episode/science-in-5/episode–76—monkeypox–who-is-at-risk

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8xqxpjqxdo

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/monkeypox-outbreak-epidemiological-overview/mpox-monkeypox-outbreak-epidemiological-overview-7-march-2024

https://www.who.int/podcasts/episode/science-in-5/episode–76—monkeypox–who-is-at-risk

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8xqxpjqxdo

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/monkeypox-outbreak-epidemiological-overview/mpox-monkeypox-outbreak-epidemiological-overview-7-march-2024

The post Boost Your Immune System Against Mpox: The Power of Lymphatic Drainage appeared first on Perea Clinic.

It is possible that you have heard a lot about Monkeypox, but don´t worry, it does not spread easily between people, according to the latest research. Only a small number of people have been diagnosed with monkeypox in the UK. In this blog you can find some basic (and key) information about Monkeypox and the role of your lymphatic system when a virus, infection or illness attacks your body. So, why don’t we start?…

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare infection caused by the Monkeypox virus. It produces similar symptoms to those seen in smallpox patients in the past. However, Monkeypox symptoms are less severe.

How do humans get Monkeypox?

• In 1958, Monkeypox was discovered in Africa when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. At that time, the infection was only seen in apes and wild animals.
• Then, in 1970, the first human case was seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It was transmitted from an infected animal to a person (it is called viral zoonosis).
•  After that, the infection started to be transmitted from infected person-to-person or infected animal-to-person.  Most cases were reported in western and central Africa.
• However, in 2003, it started to spread around the world, but with a pretty small number of cases. In the last months more  Monkeypox cases have been detected outside of Africa and health organizations are concerned about  the rapid increase in cases worldwide.  

How can I get the infection?

Experts say that you can get monkeypox from animals due to the following reasons:

• It is spread by rodents: rats, squirrels and mice.
• If you’re bitten by an infected animal.
• By touching its blood, body fluids, spots, blisters, scabs, skin and fur.
• Eating poorly cooked meat from an infected animal.

From person-to-person, it is spread when: 

• Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash.
• The coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox rash.
• Direct contact with monkeypox skin lesions or scabs.

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?

First period

The incubation period (before first symptoms) is usually 7−14 days, but can range from 5−21 days.

• High temperature
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Shivering (chills)
• Exhaustion
• Swollen lymph nodes

Second period

Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:

• Macules. It is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin (less than 1cm wide). 
• Papules. Raised area of skin tissue ( less than 1 cm around). 
• Vesicles. Small fluid-filled sacs.
• Pustules. Bulging patch of skin that’s full of a yellowish fluid (pus).
• Scabs. Patches of dry, tough skin that form over a wound during the process of healing.

Monkeypox typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. In Africa the death rate is 1 in 10, but there is little risk of people in the UK being infected.

Why is the lymphatic system so important?

The lymphatic system is a part of your immune system. It is responsible for helping fluid, toxins and wastes leave the body. The lymphatic system is made of a network of lymph vessels and nodes. 

 The main role of the lymphatic system is to carry ant-bodies to the main lymph nodes. Lymph vessels carry a clear watery fluid called Lymph. This fluid also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections and protect your body from diseases.  

The role of lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are small round shape structures that work as filters for foreign agents that can harm you, such as cancer cells, viruses, bacteria and infections. They contain immune cells that help fight infection by isolating, attacking and destroying “bad agents” that are carried in through the lymph fluid. Lymph nodes are located throughout your body, some of the most known are:

• Axillary lymph nodes (armpits)
• Cervical lymph nodes (neck)
• Inguinal lymph nodes (groin)
• Mediastinal lymph nodes (in the chest cavity)
• Pelvic lymph nodes (in the pelvis)
• Retroperitoneal lymph nodes (back of the abdomen)
• Lymph nodes in elbows

And there are more; some lymph nodes are deep inside the body, such as between the lungs or around the bowel, to filter fluid in those areas.

Why do lymph nodes get swollen?

Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) tell you that something is not right (your body is fighting against something), but other symptoms help pinpoint the problem. For example: ear pain, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes near your ear are clues that you may have an ear infection, cold, Monkeypox, etc.

When more than one area of lymph nodes is swollen, it’s called generalized lymphadenopathy. Some infections can cause it, such as strep throat and chickenpox and Monkeypox.

How does the lymphatic system work?

Unlike the heart, the Lymphatic System doesn’t have a pump to push it round the body. It relies on muscular action and body movement to keep the fluid moving.  To work efficiently, it also requires all areas of the body to be in good condition; that means adequate fluid intake, excellent nutrition, exercise and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). However, in case of obstruction or poor lymphatic flow, it is important to help your body with manual techniques like MLD.

How can I avoid getting Monkeypox?

Here, some tips to keep you out of this virus:

• Regular hand wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Only consume meat that is well-cooked.
• Avoid traveling to west or central Africa.
• Don’t be close to infected animals or people.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/

https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox

https://www.gov.uk/search/all?keywords=monkeypox&order=relevance

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes#:~:text=Your%20lymph%20nodes%20get%20larger,lymph%20nodes%20in%20your%20neck.

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/macule

https://www.healthline.com/health/papule

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/lymph-nodes-and-cancer.html#:~:text=Lymph%20nodes%20are%20located%20in,lymph%20nodes%20throughout%20the%20body.

The post Monkeypox: viruses and the role of your lymphatic system appeared first on Perea Clinic.

It is possible that you have heard a lot about Monkeypox, but don’t worry! It does not spread easily between people according to latest research. Only a small number of people have been diagnosed with Monkeypox in the UK. 

In this blog, you can find some basic information about Monkeypox and the role of your lymphatic system when a virus, infection or illness attacks your body. So, why don’t we start?

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare infection caused by the Monkeypox virus. It produces symptoms similar to those seen in smallpox patients in the past. However, Monkeypox symptoms are less severe and it is not mortal.

How do humans get Monkeypox?

• In 1958,  Scientifics discovered Monkeypox in Africa when outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. At that time, only apes and wild animals had the infection.
• Then, in 1970,  people knew about the first human case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). An infected animal transmitted it to a person (it is called viral zoonosis).
•  After that, the infection started to spread from infected person-to-person or infected animal-to-person.  Most cases were reported in western and central Africa.
• However, in 2003, it started to spread around the world, but with a pretty small number of cases. In the last months, more  Monkeypox cases have been detected outside of Africa and health organizations are concerned about  the rapid incensement in cases worldwide.  

How can I get the infection?

Experts say that you can get Monkeypox from animals due to the following reasons:

• It is spread by rodents: rats, squirrels and mice.
• If you’re bitten by an infected animal.
• By touching its blood, body fluids, spots, blisters, scabs, skin and fur.
• Eating poorly cooked meat from an infected animal.

From person-to-person, it is spread when: 

• Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the Monkeypox rash.
• The coughs or sneezes of a person with the Monkeypox rash.
• Direct contact with Monkeypox skin lesions or scabs.

What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?

Symptoms are divided in two periods:

First period

The incubation period (before first symptoms) is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days.

• High temperature
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Shivering (chills)
• Exhaustion
• Swollen lymph nodes

Second period

Lesions progress through the following stages before falling off:

• Macules. It is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin (less than 1cm wide). 
• Papules. Raised area of skin tissue ( less than 1 cm around). 
• Vesicles. Small fluid-filled sacs.
• Pustules. Bulging patch of skin that’s full of a yellowish fluid (pus).
• Scabs. Patches of dry, tough skin that form over a wound during the process of healing.

Monkeypox typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. In Africa the death rate is 1 in 10, but there is little risk of people in the UK being infected. 

Due to the monkeypox has a low mortality rates, the existence of programs in charge with the protection of certain groups of the population (namely older generations who have been vaccinated against smallpox), we do not expect that insurers will see a huge impact on their business due to this outbreak, however it can become harder to apply for one if you are old.

Why is the lymphatic system so important?

The lymphatic system is a part of your immune system. It is responsible for helping fluid, toxins and waste leave the body. The lymphatic system is made of a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. 

 The main role of the lymphatic system is to carry anti-bodies to the main lymph nodes. Lymph vessels carry a clear watery fluid called lymph. Lymph fluid also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections and protect your body from diseases.  

The role of lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are small round shape structures that work as filters for foreign agents that can harm you, such as cancer cells, viruses, bacteria and infections. They contain immune cells that help fight infection by isolating, attacking and destroying “bad agents” that are carried in through the lymph fluid. You have Lymph nodes located throughout your body, some of the most known are:

• Axillary lymph nodes (armpits)
• Cervical lymph nodes (neck)
• Inguinal lymph nodes (groin)
• Mediastinal lymph nodes (in the chest cavity)
• Pelvic lymph nodes (in the pelvis)
• Retroperitoneal lymph nodes (back of the abdomen)
• Lymph nodes in elbows

Some lymph nodes are deep inside the body, such as between the lungs or around the bowel, to filter fluid in those areas.

Why do lymph nodes get swollen?

Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) tell you that something is not right; in other words, your body is fighting against something; but other symptoms help pinpoint the problem. For example: ear pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes near your ear are clues that you may have an ear infection or cold.

When more than one area of lymph nodes is swollen it’s called generalized lymphadenopathy. Some infections can cause it, such as strep throat or chickenpox and Monkeypox.

How does the lymphatic system work?

Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump to push it round the body. It relies on muscular action and body movement to keep the fluid moving.  To work efficiently, it also requires all areas of the body to be in good condition; that means adequate fluid intake, excellent nutrition, exercise and Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD. However, in case of obstruction or poor lymphatic flow, it is important to help your body with manual techniques like MLD.

How can I avoid getting Monkeypox?

• Regular hand wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Only consume well-cooked meat.
• Avoid traveling to west or central Africa.
• Don’t be close to infected animals or people.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/

https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox

https://www.gov.uk/search/all?keywords=monkeypox&order=relevance

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/macule

https://www.healthline.com/health/papule

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/lymph-nodes-and-cancer.html#:~:text=Lymph%20nodes%20are%20located%20in,lymph%20nodes%20throughout%20the%20body.

The post Monkeypox: viruses and the role of your lymphatic system appeared first on Perea Clinic.