Mpox: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Mpox, a viral infection, has been spreading globally, and it’s essential to understand how to protect yourself and others. In this article, we’ll break down the facts and provide practical tips on how to stay safe.
How to Catch Mpox
Mpox is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with someone who has symptoms. This includes skin-to-skin contact, such as touching, anal or vaginal sex, and face-to-face contact, like talking, singing, or breathing. You can also catch mpox from contaminated bedding, towels, surfaces, or objects.
Protecting Yourself
If someone you know is diagnosed with or has suspected mpox, avoid close contact with them, including sexual contact. Know the symptoms and check yourself regularly. If you have symptoms, seek health advice and self-isolate while you wait to get tested. Get vaccinated if it’s available to you, and clean and disinfect environments that could have been contaminated with the virus from someone who is infectious.
Staying Informed
Stay informed about mpox in your area and have open, non-judgmental conversations with people you come into close contact with, especially sexual contact, about any symptoms you or they may have.
Protecting Others
If you’re recovering from mpox at home, take the following precautions:
- Isolate in a separate room
- Use a separate bathroom, or clean and disinfect after each use
- Clean hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects
- Avoid sweeping and vacuuming
- Use separate dishes, cups, bedding, towels, and electronics
- Do your own laundry, putting everything in a plastic bag before carrying it to the washing machine. Use soap and water > 60 degrees. Open windows.
By following these simple steps, you can reduce the risk of catching or spreading mpox. Stay safe and informed to protect yourself and those around you.
