Monkeypox is a contagious disease caused by the mpox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family (the same family as smallpox, but mpox is usually much milder). It mainly causes a rash with blisters or pustules that can be painful and may leave scars. Many people also get fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and body aches. Illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks, and most people recover with rest, pain control, skin care, and fluids. Severe disease can occur, especially in people with weak immune systems, very young children, pregnant people, or those with certain health problems. World Health Organization
Mpox spreads mainly through close, direct contact with the rash, scabs, body fluids, or sores of someone with mpox. It can also spread by intimate contact, including sexual contact; by kissing or other close face-to-face contact that shares respiratory droplets; and by touching items (like bedding, towels, or clothing) that touched the sores. Transmission from infected animals (especially wild rodents and some primates) is possible through bites, scratches, handling, or preparing raw “bushmeat.” Rarely, a pregnant person can pass the virus to the fetus (vertical transmission). People are usually contagious from the start of symptoms until all scabs fall off and new skin has formed. World Health Organization+1
Types (clades) of the mpox virus
Scientists group mpox viruses into two main “clades” (families): Clade I and Clade II. Clade I has historically caused more severe disease in parts of Central and East Africa. Clade II (especially Clade IIb) drove the worldwide outbreak that started in 2022 and spread through close contact networks outside Africa. A newer sub-clade “Ib” has been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and surrounding regions. These labels help labs and health officials track patterns and tailor responses; for most patients, care is similar regardless of clade. ECDCJohns Hopkins Public HealthWorld Health Organization
After exposure, there is a quiet period (incubation) when you feel fine. This incubation period is usually about 1–2 weeks, and can range from 3 to 17 days. During this time you’re not contagious. After that, symptoms begin, often with fever or swollen glands, followed by the rash. The rash changes in stages—first flat spots, then raised bumps, then fluid-filled blisters, then pus-filled pustules, and finally scabs that fall off. You’re considered no longer contagious after all scabs fall off and new skin forms. CDC+1
Causes
These are practical, plain-English “causes” meaning ways people pick up the virus or situations that raise risk. Some are common; some are uncommon but documented.
Direct skin-to-skin contact with an mpox rash. Touching sores, scabs, or the fluid inside them can spread the virus.
Intimate or sexual contact with a person who has mpox. Close contact with skin or mucous membranes is a common route in recent outbreaks.
Kissing or prolonged face-to-face contact with someone who has mouth or throat lesions. Droplets can spread the virus during close contact.
Sharing towels, bedding, or clothing that touched the lesions. The virus can live on soft items long enough to infect another person.
Touching contaminated surfaces (for example, gym mats, bedding corners) right after an infectious person used them, then touching your eyes, mouth, or a skin break.
Caring for someone with mpox without proper hand hygiene or protective gear (for example, at home or in a healthcare setting).
Needlestick or sharps injuries in healthcare or lab settings when handling lesion material or specimens.
Handling sick animals (especially wild rodents) that carry orthopoxviruses; getting bitten or scratched can transmit the virus.
Preparing or eating undercooked wild game (“bushmeat”) from infected animals.
Cleaning up animal bedding or cages contaminated with secretions or scabs from infected animals.
Living in or traveling to areas with active outbreaks without taking precautions.
Attending crowded events where there is a lot of close, skin-to-skin contact (for example, dancing with minimal clothing), if mpox is circulating in the community.
Sharing personal items like razors or makeup that touch skin or mucous membranes.
Tattooing or piercing with equipment that hasn’t been properly disinfected after use on an infectious person (uncommon, but theoretically possible via contaminated surfaces).
Household contact—sharing a bedroom, bathroom, or laundry with an infectious person increases the chance of contact with their scabs or linens.
Contact sports (wrestling or similar) with someone who has an unrecognized rash.
Vertical transmission—a pregnant person with mpox can pass the virus to the fetus.
Peripartum exposure—a newborn can be exposed during or soon after delivery if the parent has active mpox.
Contact with saliva or throat secretions (for example, sharing utensils or cups) from someone with mouth or throat lesions.
Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contacting contaminated materials or sores—small breaks in skin or mucosa can allow the virus to enter.
(These routes reflect public health guidance about close contact, contaminated materials, and animal exposures. The exact risk varies by situation; direct contact with lesions is the most efficient route. For formal wording on transmission, see WHO and CDC summaries.) World Health Organization+1
Common symptoms
Rash that changes in stages. Starts as flat spots, then raised bumps, then blisters, then pustules, then scabs. Can appear anywhere, including the face, hands, feet, trunk, genital and anal areas, or inside the mouth. It’s often painful or tender. CDC
Fever. Often comes before or at the same time as the rash. It can be low-grade or higher.
Swollen lymph nodes (glands). Common in the neck, armpits, or groin; this helps tell mpox apart from some other rash illnesses. World Health Organization
Headache. A dull or throbbing head pain is common early on.
Muscle aches and back pain. Body soreness that feels like the flu.
Fatigue or low energy. You may feel unusually tired and need more rest. World Health Organization
Chills and sweats. These often accompany fever in the first days.
Sore throat or mouth sores. Lesions can occur in the mouth or throat, making swallowing uncomfortable.
Nasal symptoms or cough. Some people have upper-respiratory symptoms, especially with throat involvement.
Genital pain, penile swelling, or labial/vulvar pain. Genital lesions can be very tender.
Anal or rectal pain, bleeding, or tenesmus (urge to poop). Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum) was common in the 2022–2023 outbreaks.
Eye redness or pain (conjunctivitis/keratitis). Eye involvement is uncommon but important; it can lead to corneal scarring and vision problems without prompt care. CDC
Swallowing pain (odynophagia). Throat lesions can make eating or drinking painful.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. GI symptoms can occur, especially with more widespread disease.
Secondary bacterial infection of skin lesions. Pus, expanding redness, or fever after initial improvement may signal a bacterial superinfection that needs antibiotics.
How doctors diagnose mpox
Doctors start with a history and physical exam—they look carefully at the rash pattern, lymph nodes, mouth and throat, genital/anal area, and eyes if there are symptoms there. They consider look-alikes (like chickenpox, shingles, herpes, syphilis, scabies, hand-foot-mouth disease, allergic rashes) and ask about recent contacts, sexual exposures, travel, animals, and household risks.
The main test to confirm mpox is a PCR test done on swabs from lesions (fluid, base of an opened blister/pustule, or scabs). Some labs run a generic orthopox PCR first, then a mpox-specific or clade-specific test. Blood tests are not very useful for routine confirmation; the virus is best detected from the lesions themselves. CDC
Most people do not need imaging or advanced tests. Those are reserved for complications (for example, chest imaging if there’s pneumonia, eye exam if there’s eye pain, heart tests if there’s chest pain). Supportive care (pain relief, wound care, fluids) helps most patients. Antivirals exist, but large studies so far have not shown faster rash healing with tecovirimat for typical, mild-to-moderate cases; treatment decisions focus on high-risk or severe illness. CDCNational Institutes of Health (NIH)
Full skin and mucosal inspection (Physical exam). The clinician maps where the rash is, counts lesions, notes their stage (flat spot → bump → blister → pustule → scab), and looks inside the mouth and nose. This pattern supports the diagnosis. CDC
Lymph node palpation (Physical exam). Feeling for swollen, tender glands in the neck, armpits, and groin helps distinguish mpox from some other rashes. World Health Organization
Oropharyngeal examination (Physical exam). A light and tongue depressor are used to look for mouth and throat lesions that explain pain with swallowing.
Anogenital examination (Physical exam). Visual inspection of the genital and anal areas to find hidden lesions that explain genital pain or rectal symptoms.
Basic eye exam (Physical exam). Checking conjunctiva and cornea for redness, ulcers, or discharge in anyone with eye symptoms; eye involvement needs urgent attention. CDC
Pain scoring and lesion-tenderness mapping (Manual). Rating pain (0–10), noting the most painful sites, and tracking over time helps guide pain control and wound care.
Digital rectal exam when proctitis is suspected (Manual). Gentle exam can identify rectal tenderness or bleeding; used only when needed and safe.
Hydration assessment (Manual). Skin turgor, capillary refill, mucous membrane moisture—bedside checks that tell if the patient needs oral or IV fluids.
Vital signs including oxygen saturation (Manual). Temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry (a fingertip sensor) help spot systemic illness.
Lesion swab PCR for mpox DNA (Lab/Path). The gold-standard test. Swabbing the base of an opened lesion or a scab and sending it for PCR confirms mpox. CDC
Orthopoxvirus PCR (Lab/Path). A broader test that detects any orthopoxvirus; if positive, labs may reflex to mpox-specific testing. CDC
Clade-specific PCR or sequencing (Lab/Path). Some reference labs determine whether it’s Clade I or II to support public health tracking. ECDC
Lesion crust PCR (Lab/Path). Testing a dried scab by PCR is useful late in illness when fluid is limited. CDC
STI panel (Lab/Path). Tests for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HSV help identify coinfections or look-alike causes of genital ulcers/rashes.
HIV testing (Lab/Path). Because severe mpox is more likely with advanced, untreated HIV, testing guides risk assessment and care. NCBI
Complete blood count (CBC) with differential (Lab/Path). Looks for signs of infection, inflammation, or immunosuppression that affect severity and treatment plans.
Liver and kidney function tests (Lab/Path). Baseline labs help in sicker patients and before any antiviral therapy.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) (Electrodiagnostic). Used if there’s chest pain or palpitations to look for myocarditis, a rare complication reported with mpox. PMC
Echocardiogram (Imaging). Ultrasound of the heart if myocarditis is suspected, to check heart function and possible fluid around the heart. PMC
MRI brain (Imaging). Reserved for severe neurologic symptoms (confusion, seizures) to look for encephalitis, another rare complication. PMC
Non-pharmacological treatments
(what you can do without prescription medicine; each has the purpose and how it helps)
Isolate and rest. Stay away from close contact until lesions have healed (no scabs, fresh skin formed). Purpose: prevent spread and allow your body to heal. Mechanism: reduces exposure of others to infectious material from lesions and droplets. ECDC
Cover lesions and wear a medical mask when around others. Purpose: block contact and droplets. Mechanism: bandages/clothing act as a physical barrier; a mask lowers short-range droplet spread. NCBI
Hand hygiene. Wash hands with soap and water or use sanitizer after touching lesions, bandages, or laundry. Purpose: cut fomite (object) spread. Mechanism: removes virus from hands before you touch surfaces. Iris
Wound/skin care: gentle cleansing. Wash lesions gently with water or mild antiseptic; keep them clean and dry; don’t scratch. Purpose: prevent bacterial infection, speed healing. Mechanism: lowers microbe load and irritation. Irismoh.gov.bt
Petroleum jelly (thin layer) on intact healing skin. Purpose: protect tender healing areas from friction. Mechanism: forms a moisture barrier (do not occlude wet, draining, or infected lesions). Drug Information Group
Pain control with simple measures. Cool compresses on painful skin; distraction/relaxation breathing for cramping. Purpose: relieve discomfort without heavy meds. Mechanism: local cooling dulls nerve signals; relaxation lowers pain perception. CDPH
Sitz baths for genital/anal pain or proctitis. Sit in warm water for ~10 minutes, several times per day (Epsom salt or baking soda can be soothing). Purpose: reduce pain and swelling; cleanse. Mechanism: warmth improves blood flow and relaxes sphincter tone. Disinfect the tub afterward. CDC
Oral care for mouth sores. Salt-water rinses and (if prescribed) antiseptic mouthwash; avoid spicy/acidic foods. Purpose: reduce pain and keep the mouth clean. Mechanism: gentle antisepsis and dilution of irritants. CDC
Protect the eyes. If lesions are near the eye, avoid contact lenses and eye makeup; seek urgent care for red, painful, or light-sensitive eyes. Purpose: prevent sight-threatening keratitis. Mechanism: lowers risk of seeding virus to the cornea. CDC
Stool softening strategies (non-drug first). Fluids, fiber-rich soft foods to keep stools soft when rectal lesions are painful. Purpose: less strain, less tearing pain. Mechanism: reduces pressure on inflamed tissue. (Drug options listed later.) CDC
Hydration. Aim for frequent sips of water; consider oral rehydration solution (ORS) if you have vomiting/diarrhea. Purpose: prevent dehydration. Mechanism: glucose–electrolyte mix enhances intestinal water absorption. World Health Organization
Sleep and pacing. Plan gentle activity with plenty of rest. Purpose: support immune recovery. Mechanism: rest reduces stress hormones that can hinder healing.
Avoid sexual activity until fully healed. Then use condoms for 12 weeks after recovery because virus may persist in semen; condoms reduce, but may not eliminate, risk. Purpose: reduce transmission. Mechanism: lowers contact with infectious fluids/lesions. ECDC
Separate laundry and waste. Handle bedding/towels/gloves carefully; wash hot; bag bandages; clean surfaces with 0.5% bleach or equivalent disinfectant. Purpose: reduce household spread. Mechanism: inactivates virus on fabrics and surfaces. moh.gov.bt
Protect pets (mammals). Keep mammals away until you recover; arrange alternate pet care if possible. Purpose: prevent human-to-animal spread. Mechanism: blocks cross-species transmission. CDC
Topical anti-itch care. Calamine or colloidal oatmeal baths; cool compresses. Purpose: reduce itch and scratching. Mechanism: soothes nerve endings and dries weepy lesions. CDC
Targeted local relief. Short, careful use of topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine gel) on unbroken skin; avoid large areas or broken skin. Purpose: numb focal pain. Mechanism: blocks sodium channels in nerve endings. CDC
Mental health support. Isolation plus pain is stressful; brief tele-counseling, mindfulness, or supportive chats help. Purpose: improve coping and adherence. Mechanism: lowers stress, supports rest and self-care.
Return-to-activities planning. Cover all residual lesions and wear a mask if you must be around others before full healing; follow local public-health advice. Purpose: reduce risk during necessary outings. Mechanism: barrier protection. NHS England
Regular check-ins with a clinician. Especially if you’re pregnant, have HIV or another immune condition, are a child, or have eye/genital/anal lesions. Purpose: catch complications early. Mechanism: targeted escalation of care (antivirals, specialist input). CDC
Drug treatments
Important: Only a few medicines directly target mpox. Most medicines below treat symptoms or complications. Exact dosing depends on age, weight, kidneys, pregnancy, and other medicines—always follow a clinician’s instructions.
Tecovirimat (TPOXX) — antiviral (orthopoxvirus VP37 inhibitor)
Typical adult dose: 600 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 14 days (take within 30 min of a full, fatty meal). ≥120 kg: 600 mg every 8 hours. Pediatric dosing is weight-based. Purpose: shorten/severe-disease control in high-risk patients under CDC Expanded-Access protocol. How it works: blocks virus egress from cells. Side effects: headache, nausea; drug interactions possible. FDA Access DataMedscape ReferenceCDCBrincidofovir (TEMBEXA) — antiviral (cidofovir prodrug)
Typical adult dose (smallpox label, used off-label for mpox in selected cases): 200 mg orally once weekly on Day 1 and Day 8 (2 doses). Purpose: alternative when tecovirimat is contraindicated or failing; case reports show benefit in severe disease. How it works: inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Side effects: diarrhea, nausea; can affect liver tests; pregnancy considerations. FDA Access DataNC DHHSIJID OnlineCidofovir (IV) — antiviral
Typical dose used in guidelines: 5 mg/kg IV once weekly × 2 doses with probenecid and pre/post hydration; not with brincidofovir. Purpose: salvage therapy in severely immunocompromised patients, usually with tecovirimat and/or VIGIV. Risks: kidney toxicity (avoid if creatinine >1.5 mg/dL), interactions (avoid with TDF if possible). clinicalinfo.hiv.govCDC+1VIGIV (Vaccinia Immune Globulin, IV) — antibody preparation
Dose: individualized per CDC protocol; accessed via IND. Purpose: adjunct in severe disease, especially in immunocompromised patients or certain infants. How it works: pooled anti-vaccinia antibodies may neutralize related orthopoxviruses. Evidence: benefit for mpox is uncertain; case reports show improvement in some severe cases. Side effects: infusion reactions. Special caution: avoid for ocular keratitis per CDC cautions. CDC+1BMJ Best PracticePubMedTrifluridine (1% ophthalmic drops) — topical antiviral for the eye
Typical use: 1 drop every 2 hours while awake for a few days, then 4×/day to complete ~10 days (per case reports; ophthalmology guides dosing). Purpose: conjunctivitis or keratitis from mpox. Mechanism: thymidine analog inhibiting viral DNA. Cautions: prolonged use can be toxic to cornea—use with ophthalmologist. CDCPMCAntibiotics for bacterial superinfection (e.g., cephalexin 500 mg every 6 h; doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h)
Purpose: if lesions become secondarily infected (spreading redness, increasing pain, pus, fever). Mechanism: treats common skin bacteria. Side effects: GI upset, sun sensitivity (doxy), allergy. Follow local SSTI guidance. NCBIAnalgesics/antipyretics — acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) in standard OTC doses. Purpose: fever and pain relief. Mechanism: reduces prostaglandins and fever set-point. Cautions: avoid NSAIDs if ulcer/renal risk; avoid excess acetaminophen. CDC
Topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine gel/cream used sparingly). Purpose: short-term numbing of painful lesions to allow eating/urinating/defecation. Mechanism: sodium-channel blockade. Cautions: don’t apply over large broken areas; follow labeled maximums. CDC
Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron 4–8 mg) if nausea limits fluids or food. Purpose: maintain hydration and nutrition. Mechanism: 5-HT3 receptor blockade. Guided by clinician; follow label.
Stool softeners (e.g., docusate 100 mg 1–2×/day) when proctitis makes bowel movements painful; may add osmotic agents as directed. Purpose: reduce straining and pain. Mechanism: softens stools; easier passage. CDC
Reality check: For most people, no mpox-specific antiviral is needed; supportive care and pain control are enough. Antivirals or VIGIV are reserved for severe disease or high-risk patients—decided by a clinician under national protocols. CDC
Dietary & supportive supplement
(for comfort and recovery — not cures; stay within safe daily limits unless your clinician advises otherwise)
Big caution: No vitamin, herb, or supplement has proven to cure mpox. Use food-first nutrition, drink fluids, and stay within recommended daily allowances (RDA) and upper limits (UL) to avoid harm. For nutrition facts, use the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Office of Dietary Supplements+1
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). Dose: small, frequent sips; adults often 200–400 mL after each loose stool. Function: replaces fluids & electrolytes. Mechanism: glucose–sodium transport enhances water absorption. MSF Medical Guidelines
Vitamin C (from foods or standard-dose supplement). Dose: around the DV/RDA (~75–90 mg/day for adults); do not exceed UL 2000 mg/day. Function: collagen & wound repair; antioxidant. Mechanism: co-factor for collagen enzymes. Office of Dietary Supplements
Vitamin D (if deficient). Dose: typical RDA 600 IU (15 mcg) daily for adults 19–70; UL 4000 IU (100 mcg) unless prescribed. Function: immune regulation, bone health. Mechanism: modulates innate/adaptive responses. Office of Dietary Supplements+1
Zinc (food-first; supplements only if advised). Dose: stay near RDA (8–11 mg/day); UL is 40 mg/day for adults. Function: wound & mucosal healing. Mechanism: cofactor for many enzymes. Office of Dietary SupplementsMayo Clinic
Vitamin A (food-first). Dose: ~700–900 mcg RAE/day; UL 3000 mcg preformed vitamin A. Function: skin/epithelial integrity. Mechanism: supports mucosal immune function. Avoid high-dose vitamin A in pregnancy unless medically indicated. Office of Dietary SupplementsThe Nutrition Source
Protein shakes or easy-to-chew protein foods if mouth pain limits eating. Function: tissue repair. Mechanism: provides amino acids for healing.
Electrolyte broths/clear soups. Function: hydration + sodium/potassium. Mechanism: helps maintain volume and appetite.
Oatmeal (colloidal oatmeal baths are topical; as food it’s gentle). Function: soft bulk to help stools if constipated from pain meds. Mechanism: soluble fiber.
Banana, rice, applesauce, toast (BRAT) when nauseated. Function: bland, easy calories. Mechanism: reduces gastric irritation.
Probiotics (only if clinician agrees). Function: may help if antibiotics cause loose stools. Mechanism: flora support; evidence varies.
Honey (if ≥1 year old). Function: soothing for mouth/throat discomfort (in tea, not on lesions). Mechanism: demulcent.
Ginger tea for nausea. Mechanism: antiemetic effects via gut serotonin pathways (modest evidence).
Omega-3–rich foods (fish, flax). Function: general anti-inflammatory diet pattern. Mechanism: lipid mediators.
Multivitamin at ~100% DV (optional, if diet is poor during illness). Function: fills minor gaps. Mechanism: baseline micronutrient support.
Avoid megadoses and herbal mixtures with unknown purity. Reason: toxicity and drug interactions are real; stick to established RDA/ULs and your clinician’s advice. Office of Dietary Supplements
Regenerative / stem-cell” drugs
There are no approved regenerative or stem-cell therapies for mpox. The only immune-based product used is VIGIV, and even this has uncertain benefit for mpox (it is licensed for smallpox-vaccine complications and used for severe mpox under IND). Other ideas like interferons, monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma, or stem cells are experimental or not recommended outside trials or specialty consultation. BMJ Best PracticeU.S. Food and Drug Administration
What can be considered in specialist care:
If you see claims about “stem-cell cures” or “immune boosters” for mpox, treat them skeptically and talk to a clinician.
Are surgeries ever used?
Mpox itself is not treated with surgery. Very rarely, a procedure may be needed to handle complications—always led by specialists:
Drainage of a bacterial abscess (if a lesion has secondary bacterial infection with pus). Why: relieve pressure and clear infection.
Ophthalmology procedures if severe corneal damage occurs (extremely rare)—goal is vision preservation; medical therapy (trifluridine) is first-line. CDC
Catheter placement for acute urinary retention caused by severe urethral swelling/pain—temporary relief while treating inflammation/infection.
Exam under anesthesia for intolerable anorectal pain to evaluate/relieve complications; most proctitis is treated medically (sitz baths, stool softeners, pain control). UCSF Health Epidemiology
Debridement only if there is necrotizing bacterial infection (not routine).
If anyone recommends routine “surgery for mpox,” seek a second opinion—standard care is medical, not surgical. CDC
Ways to prevent mpox
Vaccination (JYNNEOS). Two doses, 28 days apart, protect best; boosters are not currently recommended. Intradermal or subcutaneous are both effective. If you already had mpox, extra doses are not recommended at this time. CDC+2CDC+2
Post-exposure vaccination quickly. If you’re a close contact, vaccines are ideally given within 4 days (up to 14 days may reduce severity). Medscape
Know ACAM2000 risks. Another smallpox vaccine exists (ACAM2000) but has more side effects (e.g., myocarditis) and many contraindications; JYNNEOS is generally preferred. CDCU.S. Food and Drug Administration
Avoid close skin-to-skin or sexual contact with anyone who has a new rash or symptoms consistent with mpox; pause sex during outbreaks if you’re exposed. ECDC
Isolate if ill until all lesions have healed. Cover lesions; consider a mask when around others. ECDC
Don’t share towels, bedding, utensils; handle laundry carefully and clean surfaces with appropriate disinfectants (e.g., 0.5% bleach). moh.gov.bt
Protect pets (mammals). Keep them away from infectious materials until you recover. CDC
Use condoms for 12 weeks after recovery. They may help reduce risk from semen, though mpox can spread other ways. ECDC
Healthcare settings: staff should use gown, gloves, eye protection, and an N95 (or higher) when caring for suspected mpox. CDC
Stay informed about clade-I updates (higher severity in DRC and some exported cases) from WHO/CDC in your region. CDCWorld Health Organization
When to see a doctor
Severe pain, especially in the eyes, genitals, or anus; painful or difficult urination; rectal bleeding.
Eye symptoms (redness, light sensitivity, vision changes)—needs urgent ophthalmology. CDC
Signs of bacterial infection in skin lesions (rapidly spreading redness, swelling, pus, fever). CDC
Dehydration (very dry mouth, dizziness, minimal urination), can’t keep fluids down.
Severe headache, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath.
You are pregnant, immunocompromised (e.g., advanced HIV), or the patient is an infant or young child.
Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but seek care early if you’re unsure or at higher risk. CDC
What to eat (and what to avoid) during recovery
Hydrate: water, ORS, broths, diluted juices; frequent small sips are easier than big gulps. ORS is ideal if there is vomiting/diarrhea. MSF Medical Guidelines
Soft, bland foods if you have mouth or throat lesions (yogurt, eggs, porridge/oatmeal, bananas, rice, applesauce). Avoid spicy, acidic, very salty, or crunchy foods that sting. CDC
Protein at each meal (eggs, fish, tofu, beans) to support tissue repair.
If proctitis makes bowel movements painful, keep stools soft: fluids, fiber-rich soft foods; your clinician may add a stool softener. CDC
Limit alcohol (dehydrates you) and very sugary drinks (can worsen diarrhea).
Supplements: only standard doses if your clinician agrees; avoid megadoses. See the supplement section and NIH ODS fact sheets for safe limits. Office of Dietary Supplements
Frequently asked questions
Is mpox the same as monkeypox? Yes—“mpox” is the preferred name now. World Health Organization
How long am I contagious? Until every lesion has scabbed, scabs have fallen off, and fresh skin formed. Isolate until then. ECDC
Can I get mpox twice? Reinfection appears rare, and second episodes tend to be milder—but it’s possible. Vaccination boosters aren’t currently advised after two doses. CDC
Do I always get a whole-body rash? No. Many recent cases start with a few lesions, often genital, anal, or oral. Johns Hopkins Public Health
Is mpox airborne? Mpox can spread by close face-to-face droplets and direct contact; standard advice is to cover lesions and consider a mask when around others. NCBI
What about pets? Keep mammals away from you and your linens until you’re fully recovered. CDC
Do I need antiviral medicine? Most people do not. Antivirals are for severe disease or high-risk patients (decision by a clinician). CDC
Which vaccine is used now? JYNNEOS (MVA-BN), two doses 28 days apart. ACAM2000 exists but has more side effects and contraindications. CDC+1
Can kids or pregnant people get mpox? Yes; they can be at higher risk of severe disease—seek care early and follow clinician guidance on treatment and vaccination options. CDC
How do I clean my home? Hot-water laundry, gloves, careful waste handling, and 0.5% bleach or EPA-listed disinfectants for surfaces. moh.gov.bt
When can I resume sex? After full healing; then use condoms for 12 weeks to reduce risk from semen. ECDC
My eye is red and painful—what now? Seek urgent care. Eye involvement may need trifluridine drops and specialist care. CDC
What if a lesion looks very red, hot, or has pus? That may be bacterial superinfection—you might need antibiotics. Get medical advice. NCBI
How is clade I different from clade II? Clade I has shown more severe disease and higher mortality in affected regions; public-health agencies are monitoring exported cases. CDCWorld Health Organization
Who should vaccinate now? People at higher risk (based on local public-health guidance—often certain sexual networks, clinicians handling orthopox viruses, and lab workers). Two doses give the best protection. CDC
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members
Last Updated: August 13, 2025.
