**ERROR UPDATE** I mistakenly said that cotton swabs can be used but it's ONLY synthetic swabs for monkeypox testing!! Link for testing instructions here.Monkeypox has been confusing and scary for patients and providers alike, especially on the heels of the Covid pandemic that we’re still facing. The WHO named it a public health emergency and global outbreak, as has the CDC, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s as scary as it sounds.At the time of this episode, there have been about 7,000 cases in the US, predominantly in patients who are cis-male and have sex with other cis-males (MSM), although this is a virus that can affect any patient. It’s not sexually transmitted, as has been reported in the news (misinformation). Even though any person can be infected with monkeypox, we need to make sure that the most vulnerable populations are getting the access to care, education, and support they need-- at the current time means especially our patients who are men who have sex with men.In this episode, we cover:Key background information you need to knowSymptoms & DiagnosisTransmission of Monkeypox & Infection controlDifferential DiagnosisApproach to testingOverview of treatmentCheck out the links we referenced in this episode for images of monkeypox on a variety of skin tones and stages, and link to phone numbers of the departments of public health by state.CDC images of monkeypoxDepartment of public health numbersFurther information from the CDC for medical providers is here______________________________Don't forget to grab your free Ultimate Resource Guide for the New NPSign up for the Lab Interpretation Crash CourseGrab your copy of the Digital NP Binder______________________________Please note: This episode is intended only for medical providers and students learning to be medical providers. While anyone is welcome to view and listen, for legal and safety reasons, we are unable to diagnose, treat, or answer medical questions for individuals through this channel. We always refer individuals back to their primary care providers for medical care. If you’re a medical provider or student and have specific patient cases you have questions about, I cannot answer those here but would love to help you inside our mentorship program! Join the waitlist at https://www.realworldnp.com/mentoring. _______________________________© 2022 Real World NP. For educational and informational purposes only, see realworldnp.com/disclaimer for full details. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.