This means you had mpox at the time the test was taken and could pass the infection to other people. It can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear after catching the infection.
STAY AT HOME
You should isolate at home to reduce the chance of passing the virus to others. Don’t go to work or college or socialise with friends. If you live with other people keep at least 1m apart, try and stay in a separate room or wear a mask.
Some groups of people are more likely to have problems with mpox. You should particularly avoid contact with pregnant women, children aged 16 and under and people with severe immunosuppression (e.g. A person with HIV who is not on treatment and has a CD4 count of less than 100 or someone having cancer treatment with chemotherapy).
Wash your clothes, bedding and towels separately on a hot wash (60 degree). Clean surfaces that are used by other people with alcohol or chlorine based wipes/detergents. (e.g. Door handles, taps, bath etc). Wash plates and cutlery separately with warm water and washing up liquid. Leave to air dry.
Rubbish bags should be placed in second tied bag before placing in the bin.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
Mpox is a relatively mild infection for most people. It usually settles within 3 weeks without special treatment. Taking regular paracetamol or ibuprofen can help fever/aches/pain.
The lesions start as spots. The spots usually burst turning into shallow ulcers (breaks in the skin). The ulcers then crust over. Eventually the crusts drop off leaving healthy skin underneath.
Sometimes the lesions can become infected or merge to cause painful ulcers. Call us if the area around lesions becomes red, swollen and painful. We’re also here if the ulcers are making it difficult for you to go to the toilet or eat and drink.
You should also seek medical advice if you have over 100 lesions, if any lesions affect the surface of your eye or if you develop a bad cough/ breathing problems. These numbers are staffed by our HIV team, but can provide advice to Dean Street users with mpox.
Dean Street Telephone Clinic | Mon-Fri 12-2pm 020 3315 9500
Chelsea & Westminster | Sat & Sun 9am-9pm 07805 813 558
Outside these hours, please call 111
TRAVEL
If you have to travel (e.g. hospital appointment) it is best to walk, cycle or use your own car. If you have to use public transport, you should cover any lesions, wear a mask and travel at quieter times.
PETS
Mpox is thought to originally come from rodents (mice, rats etc). As the infection can pass between species, you should avoid close contact with pets. Don’t let them sleep in the bed with you.
SEX
If you wish to resume sexual activity after your self-isolation has ended you should use a condom for 12 weeks after your rash has scabbed over and scabs have fallen off. This is a precaution to reduce the risk of spreading infection to your partner.
WHEN CAN I STOP ISOLATING?
You can stop isolating at home when –
- You have not had a fever for at least 72hrs
- You have had no new lesions for 48hrs
- No lesions affect your mouth/eyes
- All lesions on exposed areas have healed (face/hands etc)
- Any other lesions have crusted over and can be covered with clothes
You should continue to avoid pregnant/under 12yr/immunosuppressed until all the lesions have completely healed.
