Mpox can be passed on from person to person through:

• close physical contact with Mpox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or holding hands)
• touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with Mpox
• the coughs or sneezes of a person with Mpox when they’re close to you
• Most cases seen in the UK have been passed on in sexual contact.

If you do have Mpox, It takes anywhere between 5 and 21 days to get symptoms.

The most common symptoms people first experience are:

• a high temperature
• a headache
• muscle aches
• backache
• swollen glands
• shivering (chills)
• exhaustion
• joint pain

A rash usually follows these symptoms in around 1-5 days. This can include the face, mouth, genitals and anus. Some people also experience pain and bleeding from their bottom. Sometimes people may confuse the rash for chickenpox. The rash has spots/blisters which fill with fluid, then scab over and fall off. You can pass Mpox on while you have symptoms.

What should I do if I have Symptoms?

If you have a rash with blisters, anal pain or bleeding from your bottom and have either:

• been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have Mpox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• had 1 or more new sexual partners in the past 3 weeks
• been to west or central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding, until you’ve been told what to do.

Call the clinic before visiting.

Tell the person you speak to if you’ve had close contact with someone who has or might have Mpox, or if you’ve recently travelled to central or West Africa.

Most people who have Mpox recover well in a few days at home, but some people might need treatment in hospital. It’s important to isolate until your symptoms have fully cleared up.

If you need help to find a sexual health clinic – click here – or contact us.