This means that the virus outbreak is now classified as “an extraordinary event that constitutes a public health risk to other states through international spread of disease.” A coordinated international response is needed to prevent further spread of the virus and a possible escalation to a pandemic.

The number of infections increased by 77% from late June to early July, which prompted WHO to reassess the outbreak and eventually declare the emergency.

The virus outbreak started around April 2022. And until June 24, 98% of the persons with infection were gay or bisexual men, according to a study published last July 21. Also, transmission was suspected to have occurred through sexual activity in 95% of the persons infected according to the same study.

However, Sony Salzman of ABC News’ Medical Unit clarifies that public health experts take extreme caution to not stigmatize monkeypox as a virus that only affects the LGBTQ community, as what happened during the early HIV outbreaks.

Monkeypox, like HIV, can affect anyone. Monkeypox potentially spreads through exposure of the face to droplets and mostly skin-to-skin contact. “It creates blisters across different parts of your body. And typically someone else gets infected if they touch or [are] somehow exposed to those blisters,” Salzman said.

Long Covid, also known as post-Covid, long-haul Covid, and chronic Covid has affected a number of people who have been previously infected with Covid-19.

For the long Covid groups, the federal government lacks a clear vision of how they plan to help those whose lives have been “derailed by ongoing illness, including trouble concentrating, overwhelming fatigue and debilitating pain.”

Two highly anticipated federal reports on long Covid are set to be released on August 3. In an April memorandum, President Joe Biden asked for these reports that would outline a response to support long Covid patients and others affected by Covid in other ways, including loss of a family member and mental health issues. The second report will outline plans for long Covid research.

Long Covid advocates fear that the reports will fall short of what is really needed, which is money. “Without action, they’re just words on paper, and you can’t get action until you have funding,” NBC quoted Survivor Corps founder Diana Berrent.

The advocates also call for a definition for long Covid. Currently, there is no standard definition for it but it affects anywhere from 5% to 30% of people who were Covid positive. People with long Covid experience a wide range of symptoms from fatigue and digestive problems to difficulty breathing and chest pain. And these symptoms could last from weeks to years and could also come and go.

“Knowing who is likely to get long Covid and why they’re getting long Covid will help us both with treatment for those patients,” NBC quoted Emily Levitan, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health.

Currently, long Covid typically affects those who had severe Covid, but anyone can still be affected by it. It is also currently considered as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Also one of the biggest challenges with long Covid is a lack of test for diagnosis.

For now, staying up to date with Covid vaccines is the best way to avoid long Covid. Research shows vaccinated people are less likely to experience post-Covid symptoms.

Drinking lots of fluids and running fans or air conditioning at home if possible, and avoiding excess outdoor activities are some of the simplest ways to avoid these illnesses

Room temperatures ideally should be kept below 32°C (90°F) during the day and below 24°C (75°F) at night, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Soaking in a bathtub of cold water or placing the forearms in a cooler filled with water and ice is advised if you start feeling ill due to heat.

The same strategies go for pets—lots of water, cool temperatures, and less outdoor activity.

When taking the pets for a walk, Florida representative for the Human Society Veterinary Medical Association Sy Woon says it is important to choose the right time of the day. The midday hours when the sun is at its highest point should be avoided.

Feeling the pavement with the back of your hand can also help determine whether it is too hot for your pet’s paws.