Mpox

Transmission

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, spreads through close physical contact, including sex. It can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, kissing and contact with infected body fluids. Because the virus is spread through close contact, it can be easily transmitted during sex or other intimate encounters.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Mpox can be really distressing and include:

• Fever, headache and muscle ache.
• Rashes that start as red spots and develop into fluid-filled blisters, often on or around the genitals, anus, mouth or other parts of the body.
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin.

Symptoms usually appear between 5 and 21 days after infection.

Testing

Do you suspect you have Mpox? If so, it's time to visit a clinic. Testing is done by taking samples from the blisters and sometimes from other body fluids. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get help and reduce the risk of infecting others.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment that cures Mpox, but symptoms can be relieved with medication and care. Most people recover completely within a few weeks. Most people recover fully within a few weeks, but it is important to stay away from close contact with others until you are fully recovered.

Vaccine against Mpox is available and can be used to prevent infection, especially for people at higher risk, such as men who have sex with men and people with multiple sexual partners. Vaccination can also be given after exposure to reduce the risk of developing the disease. Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccine availability and whether it is appropriate for you.

How to protect yourself

Here's how you can protect yourself against Mpox:

• Get vaccinated against Mpox
• Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of Mpox.
• Use a condom during sex, even if it does not fully protect, it helps to reduce the risk.
• Stay informed about local outbreaks and seek medical attention quickly if you suspect you are infected.