I have Monkeypox (Mpox): What should I do?

Mpox (previously called Monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus. It can spread by coming into contact with a person or animal that is infected.

A pharmacist with advanced training in infectious diseases provides the following information if you think you have Mpox or if you have been diagnosed with the illness.

What should I do if I have Mpox?

If you think you have Mpox, contact your healthcare provider right away. They will take small sample of your rash and send it to a lab for analysis to see if you have the disease.

Another important thing to do is to quarantine yourself at home and make sure other people don't touch recently contaminated bed linens, towels, or clothes. Do not have close contact with other people, including having sex, until the lesions have cleared and new skin has grown over them. Use condoms for at least 8 weeks after the scabs have healed as a precautionary measure.

Are there medications to treat for Mpox?

There are two vaccines that are effective against Mpox. Click here for more information and to see if you qualify to be vaccinated.

There is no medication specifically for the treatment of Mpox at this time. However, there is an antiviral called tecovirimat (TPOXX) that has been used to treat smallpox that may work against Mpox and is given to people infected with Mpox who may be at risk for more severe disease, such as those with weakened immune systems.

In addition, your pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter (OTC) products to help manage your symptoms so you feel better.

• Fever: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to lower your fever and improve the flu-like symptoms that are often associated with Mpox. The adult dose of acetaminophen is 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours. The total daily dose should not exceed 3250 mg in 24 hours because higher amounts may damage your liver. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are another option to help with fever and discomfort. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve) are examples of NSAIDs.
• Dry or itchy skin: Add colloidal oatmeal and soak in a warm (not hot) bath for 15 minutes to soothe skin.
• Rash or open sores: Cover areas of your body that have lesions with bandages to help with healing as well as prevent the spread of the virus to others.

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Summary

The number of Mpox cases has fallen in the United States because of effective vaccinations and treatment. If you think you have Mpox or have been exposed to the Mpox virus, contact your healthcare provider. If you have been diagnosed with Mpox, there are many OTC products that can help improve your symptoms. Most people with Mpox tend feel better on their own. The disease typically runs its course in two to four weeks.