We think there’s a high chance that you have the infection. This is the advice we give to people who have monkeypox. We recommend that you follow it until your result is back. The test is sent to a specialist lab and the results take around 72hrs. You can stop following this advice if your result is negative (clear).
Your sexual health test results will be sent separately.
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 monkeypox. 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 200 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
Monkeypox 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.
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 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 monkeypox.
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
Monkeypox 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
You should avoid all skin to skin contact with other people until the lesions have healed. We don’t know whether the monkeypox virus is present in vaginal fluid & semen (precum/cum). It is recommended that people use condoms for 8 weeks after their last spot has healed.
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
- Continue to avoid pregnant/under 12yr/immunosuppressed until all lesions healed
Public health will contact you
Smallpox vaccine provides some protection to people who have already been exposed to monkeypox. Your local public health department will call to see if the vaccine should be offered to any of your recent contacts.
