Post-Mpox Vulnerabilities: What To Look Out For During Recovery By Aishat M. Abisola

As Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is once again making its way through the globe, it has become even more important to educate people on the dangers of this disease even after recovery.

Although most of the individuals who contract Mpox recover from it, the recovery process can leave its effects on both the body and the mind, making the infected more susceptible to a host of other health issues.

The severity of the infection, pre-existing health conditions and the state of the immune system are what is used to determine how well a person will be during recovery.

Understanding these post recovery susceptibilities is what will help both healthcare providers and patients to ensure that recovery is thorough and that any and all secondary health problems are identified and treated as early as possible.

Here is what people are most susceptible to after Mpox:

1. Secondary Skin Infections: One of the most common illnesses that you can contract while recovering from Mpox are secondary bacterial infections. The skin lesions from the Mpox rashes can become infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, especially if they are not properly treated or cleaned during the recovery process. Proper wound care is essential to prevent further complications from these skin infections.

2. Respiratory Infections: If a person experiences respiratory symptoms during Mpox, including coughing or difficulty breathing, it is possible that they may have weakened respiratory defenses. This makes them vulnerable to several bacterial or viral respiratory infections, including pneumonia. The lungs and respiratory system may need extra care and attention post-recovery to prevent further infections, especially in those who were already immunocompromised.

3. Shingles : Just like any other viral infection that challenges the immune system, Mpox has a chance of reactivating of latent viruses in the body. For instance, a person who has had chickenpox (varicella zoster virus) is at risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster). The physical stress of recovering from a viral infection can lower the immune system’s ability to keep these dormant viruses in check, increasing the likelihood of a shingles outbreak.

4. Immunosuppression Related Diseases: Individuals who have compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapies, are more likely to contract an opportunistic infection post-Mpox. This can include fungal infections like candidiasis or more serious bacterial infections such as tuberculosis. Keeping a close eye on immune function post-recovery is crucial in these populations to avoid further health complications.

5. Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome: Much like long COVID, post-viral fatigue syndrome is a condition that can affect individuals recovering from Mpox. Its symptoms are prolonged tiredness, weakness, and a general sense of discomfort that can last for weeks or even months. While this is not unique to Mpox, it is a potential risk for anyone recovering from a severe viral infection.

6. Mental Health Challenges: When you put into consideration the physical and psychological strain of contracting Mpox—especially given the isolation requirements and stigma associated with the disease, mental health challenges tend to affect the infected during recovery. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are most likely to occur, particularly if the illness was severe or prolonged. Mental health support is an important aspect of recovery to help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological aftermath.

7. Persistent Skin Scarring: The scarring caused by Mpox lesions are permanent, especially if lesions were extensive or deep. Some people may develop keloids (growth of extra scar tissue where skin heals after injury) or other forms of scarring, which can affect skin appearance and sensitivity. Dermatological care may be necessary to manage scarring and prevent infections in the affected areas.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care

The road to full recovery from Mpox can be complicated by a range of secondary health issues.

It is vital that individuals who have recovered from Mpox receive follow-up medical care, not only to monitor for complications but also to strengthen their immune systems and prevent further infections.

Healthcare providers should remain vigilant in treating any lingering symptoms or new health concerns in patients recovering from Mpox to ensure complete recovery and avoid long-term health issues.