Monkeypox FAQ
You can take steps to protect yourself and those around you. Learn about monkeypox symptoms and what to do if you think you’ve been exposed.
How does monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox spreads most commonly through close contact with an infected person, particularly direct contact with the person's rash or bodily fluids. It can also spread by touching objects or fabrics (such as clothing, towels, and bedding) used by someone infected. Additionally, monkeypox can spread through contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions. A person is contagious from the time that symptoms start to the time that all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed. This typically takes two to four weeks.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Symptoms typically start within one to two weeks of exposure to the virus, but they may begin as late as three weeks after exposure. Often, people first develop flu-like symptoms. These initial symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle and back aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms like sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion.
Within one to four days of these initial symptoms, an infected person typically also develops a rash. For some people, this rash is their only symptom. It can look like pimples, bumps, or blisters, and it may be painful or itchy. The rash goes through several stages, including scabbing, before it heals. Learn more about the symptoms.
Who is at risk of getting monkeypox?
Anyone can get monkeypox, regardless of age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. The most common way that monkeypox has spread so far has been through sexual activity among people who have recently had sex with multiple or anonymous partners. In addition, most cases in the 2022 outbreak to date have occurred in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Learn more about reducing your risk at social gatherings and through safe sex.
Should I get a monkeypox vaccine?
Vaccination is recommended for people who:
- Have recently been exposed to monkeypox.
- Are at high risk for exposure to monkeypox. This includes people who identify with any of the following groups: people of any sexual orientation and gender who had anonymous or multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks; sex workers of any sexual orientation and gender; staff of any sexual orientation and gender at establishments where sexual activity occurs.
- Are living with HIV/AIDS.
- Have been diagnosed with an STI in the past three months.
Learn the basics about monkeypox vaccines.
Is monkeypox related to smallpox?
Yes. Monkeypox and smallpox are in the same virus family, but monkeypox causes a much less severe illness. The same vaccine that is used to prevent smallpox is also effective for monkeypox. Read additional monkeypox vaccine information.
How can I protect myself from monkeypox?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself, including avoiding skin-to-skin contact with someone who has been infected with monkeypox and getting vaccinated if you are eligible. The most common way that monkeypox has spread so far has been through sexual activity among people who have recently had sex with multiple or anonymous partners, so changing sexual behaviors to reduce risks — such as decreasing the number of partners and anonymous sex encounters — is also a protective measure. Frequent hand-washing is always a good public health practice for disease prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides additional guidance on lowering your risk.
Getting vaccinated is another important way to protect yourself if you have recently been exposed to monkeypox or are at high risk of being exposed.
What should I do if I suspect that I’m sick from monkeypox?
Contact your health care provider if you believe you’ve been exposed to monkeypox or if you develop an unexplained rash. If possible, call ahead of your visit to alert the health care facility that you are concerned you may have monkeypox.
Until you’ve been evaluated, separate yourself from other people and pets and cover your lesions with gauze or a bandage. Read additional recommendations from the CDC.
How is monkeypox treated?
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help address some of the symptoms. Topical benzocaine and lidocaine gels can also provide some relief for rashes. People with complications (such as an infection related to the rash), lesions in unusual locations, and those who are at increased risk of severe illness may be prescribed an antiviral medication such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) by a health care provider. Read additional tips and recommendations from the CDC.
Does monkeypox decrease the effectiveness of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention?
Monkeypox does not reduce the effectiveness of PrEP for preventing HIV. Those who use PrEP should continue taking it as prescribed. Learn more about HIV and monkeypox.
