Advice for patients who have been tested for mpox
You have been tested for the mpox virus.
We believe it is likely that you have the infection. Below is the advice we recommend following until your test result is available. The test has been sent to a specialist lab, and results typically take at least 72 hours.
You can stop following this advice if your mpox result is negative.
You will receive your mpox test result via text. If positive, you will be contacted by the local health protection team, who will provide further advice, including information regarding vaccination for any contacts. Additionally, our virtual hub team will follow up with you via a dedicated app to check on your general welfare while you are isolating.
Your sexual health test results will be sent separately.
Stay at home
You should isolate at home to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. Do not go to work, educational settings, or socialise with friends. If you live with others, maintain at least 1 metre of distance, stay in a separate room if possible, or wear a mask when in shared spaces.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to complications from mpox. Avoid contact with pregnant women, children aged 16 and under, and people with severe immunosuppression (eg those with untreated HIV and a CD4 count of less than 200 or individuals undergoing chemotherapy).
Cleaning and waste disposal
- Wash your clothes, bedding and towels separately on a hot wash (60°C) using the highest temperature the fabric can withstand. Avoid shaking out dirty laundry.
- Clean surfaces frequently touched by others, such as door handles and taps, with alcohol or chlorine-based wipes/detergents.
- Wash dishes and cutlery separately in warm water and washing-up liquid. Allow them to air dry.
- Dispose of rubbish by placing bags in a second tied bag before placing them in the bin. Avoid recycling during isolation.
Look after yourself
Mpox is typically a mild infection for most people and usually resolves within three weeks without special treatment. Regular paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage fever, aches, and pain.
In some cases, the spots (lesions) may become infected or merge, causing painful ulcers. If the area around the spots becomes red, swollen, or painful or if the ulcers make it difficult for you to go to the toilet or eat, please contact us.
Seek medical advice if you develop more than 100 lesions, if any lesions affect your eyes, or if you experience coughing or breathing problems.
If you need to speak to a team member about your symptoms, please call us:
- Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 9am-4pm and Wed 1–4pm: 07584 640 235
- Sat/Sun 9am–9pm: 07805 813 558
- Outside these hours: Call 111 or, in an emergency, dial 999 and inform the team about your suspected mpox infection
Travel
If you must travel (eg for a hospital appointment), it is best to walk, cycle or use your own car. If public transport is necessary, cover any lesions, wear a mask, and travel during quieter times.
Pets
Mpox is believed to originate from rodents. Since the infection can pass between species, avoid close contact with pets and do not let them sleep in your bed.
Sex
Avoid all skin-to-skin contact until lesions have fully healed. It is recommended to use condoms for 12 weeks after your last spot has healed to reduce the risk of transmission.
When can I stop isolating?
You can stop isolating at home when:
- You have not had a fever for at least 72 hours
- You have had no new lesions for 48 hours
- No lesions affect your mouth or eyes
- All lesions on exposed areas (eg face, hands etc) have healed
- Any other lesions have crusted over and can be covered with clothes
Continue to avoid contact with pregnant people, children and immunosuppressed individuals until all lesions have fully healed.
Public Health follow-up
The smallpox vaccine offers some protection to those already exposed to mpox. Your local public health department will contact you to determine whether the vaccine should be offered to your recent contacts.