Covid- 19 is still here, but a new virus threatens us again. Yes, I'm talking about Monkeypox.
As of August 22, we have 4 reported cases of Monkeypox in the Philippines but the information about the virus remains largely unclear to many Filipinos.
Although experts think that Monkeypox will unlikely become a pandemic, the cure and nature of the virus give the public heightened fear and anxiety.
Philcare recently held a webinar with the help of an infectious disease expert, Dr. Christoper John N. Tibayan, RMT, MD FPCP DPSMID, to shed light on this health threat, including how to prevent and treat it.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a virus usually transmitted from animals to people. However with the current outbreak right now, there's a transmission from one person to another.
Monkeypox was first discovered in Asiatic monkeys found originally in tropical rainforests in Africa. Squirrels and rats can also be sources of the said virus.
The usual symptoms of monkeypox infection in humans are fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over. However, some people could present asymptomatically or with no symptoms at all. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms ranges from five to twenty-one days. The duration of symptoms is typically two to four weeks.
Monkeypox belongs to the Poxviridae family, the same family virus as cowpox and smallpox. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of August 19, 2022, there are about 41,000 cases worldwide. Monkeypox can be transmitted from animal to human (primary infection) and human to human (secondary infection). Transmission is spread through skin to skin contact, respiratory droplets, lesion materials, body fluids, contaminated materials, and surfaces that were touched or used by the case.
According to Dr. Tibayan, Monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it is often transmitted through close and sustained physical contact. Such can include sexual contact with those who have rashes or open lesions.
It is important to isolate if you think that the rash looks like that of monkeypox and consult your doctors for proper guidance.
I know most of us are worried about how this virus affects us physically and if our HMO provider will cover this type of condition.
So if you want to ensure you're prepared this time, like me, log on to www.philcare.com.ph and choose from Philcare's affordable Prepaid Health Plans suited for you and your family's needs. Have the peace of mind that your HMO has your back!
PhilCare understands that healthcare goes a long way. They know that achieving overall wellness requires focus on many aspects of life, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This is why they come up with health plans designed to cover the distinct health needs of Filipinos. Along with this, PhilCare is taking advantage of the rapid technological advancements to ensure the quality and ease of customer experience.
Check out Philcare's Prepaid Health Plans :
🧡 PhilCare Agapay 700 (P700) - PhilCare Agapay700 is a health plan that covers a single-use benefit up to *Php40,000 for ambulance service, out-patient emergency care and hospitalization for viral, bacterial illnesses and treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (excepts for stroke) in 500+ PhilCare-accredited hospitals.
🧡 PhilCare Rush (P1600) - PhilCare Rush is a health plan that covers a single-use benefit up to *Php50,000 for travel emergency assistance, ambulance service, out-patient emergency care and hospitalization for viral, bacterial illnesses and treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (excepts for stroke) in 500+ PhilCare-accredited hospitals.
💙 Unli-DigiMed Consult (P999) - This HeyPhil Digimed service provides all year round digital consultation access through the HeyPhil app. It covers primary care consultation with Family Medicine Specialists, Internal Medicine, and General Physician. Get access to virtual care for various conditions like allergies, asthma, hypertension, diarrhea, mild injuries, or other infections.
❤ ER Vantage Plus 40 for Adults (P1050) - A single-use healthcare plan that provides coverage of up to P40,000 for emergency care and hospitalization for viral and bacterial illnesses, treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ designated PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide.
❤ ER Vantage Plus 60 for Adults (P1350) - A single-use healthcare plan that provides coverage of up to P60,000 for emergency care and hospitalization for viral and bacterial illnesses, treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ designated PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide.
❤ ER Vantage Plus 60 for Kids (P 3950) - A single-use healthcare plan that provides coverage of up to P60,000 for emergency care and hospitalization for viral and bacterial illnesses, treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ designated PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide.
❤ ER Health Assist 40 for Adults (P 1670)- ER Health Assist 40 is a health plan that covers multiple-use benefits for unlimited medical and dental consultations to Philcare Makati and MOA Clinics only and a single-use benefit up to Php 40,000 for outpatient emergency care and hospitalization coverage for viral, bacterial illnesses, and treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ Philcare accredited hospitals nationwide.
💚 unli- CONSULT for adults (P3600) - This health plan allows you to avail unlimited consultation services for one (1) year from PhilCare-accredited network of medical specialists and dentists nationwide.
💚 unli- CONSULT for kids (P3700) - This health plan allows you to avail unlimited consultation services for one (1) year from PhilCare-accredited network of pediatricians and dentists nationwide.
For more updates, please visit Philcare's website at www.philcare.com.ph.
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