Monkeypox: What you must know about the virus — and how to protect yourself

As the monkeypox virus becomes a health concern that Americans seem to hear about more and more, what are some of the best practices for avoiding the virus — and is it time to worry?

Fox News Digital talked on Monday with Dr. Marc Siegel, a physician and professor of medicine at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, and a Fox News contributor, about the monkeypox virus.

He said the virus is usually not serious, though the rash is "painful" and "can cause scarring," he said.

Dr. Siegel said that no one should get "in the gear of panic," as many people did with the COVID pandemic.

"I think it's difficult to contract," said Dr. Siegel about monkeypox. "I would just say be aware of close contact with people with a rash."