MONKEYPOX: GET THE FACTS

MONKEYPOX FAQ

• What is MONKEYPOX?

  A rare but potentially serious viral illness.

• Who's at risk for getting MONKEYPOX?

  Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox.

• How does MONKEYPOX spread?

  • Skin to skin contact including sex with a person who has monkeypox.
  • Touching fabrics, objects (such as bedding and sex toys) or surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.

• What are steps to prevent getting MONKEYPOX?

  How to protect yourself and others

  Avoid direct contact with skin rashes, sores, or scabs/lesions on a person with confirmed or probable monkeypox virus, including intimate or sexual contact. Similar to COVID-19, you should reduce exposure risk by:

  • Avoid sharing objects such as eating utensils, cups, or fabrics (e.g. clothing, bedding, or towels).
  • Avoid contact with respiratory secretions, through kissing and other face-to-face contact.
  • Wear a mask when in close contact (less than 6 feet) to someone with monkeypox
  • Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer often.

• What to do if you're experiencing symptoms?

  Schedule an appointment with your Vivent Health doctor by calling 1-800-359-9272 or requesting an appointment. Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out.

• How long do MONKEYPOX symptoms last?

  • Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.
  • Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.