New cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) have been reported in the United States this spring. With the warmer months being full of events that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, it is important to prepare for this season to make sure that we stay healthy before, during, and after these celebrations.
Protecting Yourself:
About the Mpox Vaccine: JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine developed to protect against mpox and smallpox infections. People need to get both doses of the vaccine for the best protection against mpox. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose.
Unvaccinated people and people who have not received both doses who could benefit from vaccine may still be at risk. The best protection against mpox occurs 2 weeks after the second shot, so plan ahead. In the current outbreak, mpox is often transmitted through close, sustained physical contact, almost exclusively associated with sexual contact. If you have symptoms of mpox, visit a healthcare provider and get tested, even if you have been vaccinated.
Mpox vaccines are free. Providers must give you the vaccine regardless of your ability to pay the administration fee.
Resources:
- Tips to Lower Mpox Risk at Social Gatherings: English | Spanish
- Mpox and Safer Sex: English | Spanish
Who is at Risk for Mpox?
In the 2022 mpox outbreak, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) make up most of the cases. Within this population, mpox cases are disproportionately higher among Black and Hispanic or Latino MSM and, in smaller numbers, Black and Latina women. Gender non-conforming people, including transgender women and non-binary people, have also been disproportionately affected by mpox.
However, people can get mpox through specific behaviors, regardless of an individual’s race/ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
How is Mpox Spread?
Mpox virus is primarily spread through direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. The virus may also be spread through:
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- Touching objects, fabrics (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with mpox
- Being scratched or bitten by an infected animal
What to Do if You Suspect Mpox:
Mpox symptoms include rash, fever, headache, aches, and chills. If you have close contact with someone who has these symptoms, monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days and get vaccinated (vaccination provides the best chance to prevent the disease or to lessen severity of symptoms). If you think you may have a new or unexplained rash, or any other mpox symptoms, contact a healthcare provider for testing.
What to Do if You’re Sick:
There is no treatment specifically for mpox. Because the viruses that cause mpox and smallpox are closely related, drugs and vaccines developed to treat and protect against smallpox may be effective for mpox. However, the type of treatment for a person with mpox will depend on how sick someone gets or whether they’re likely to get severely ill. Most people with mpox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.
Some people, like those with a weakened immune system or genital or rectal rashes, may need treatment. Drugs used to treat mpox require a prescription and must be requested by a healthcare provider through the local or state health department.
Resources:
- Self-Care Information: English | Spanish
- Notifying Close Contacts
- Preventing Spread to Others: English | Spanish
- Patient’s Guide to Mpox Treatment