Managing symptoms

On this page

    What symptoms can I expect?

    Onset of symptoms can range from 5 – 21 days following contact with a person infected with Monkeypox.

    Most cases of Monkeypox are mild, and symptoms usually resolve within 2 – 4 weeks.

    The illness usually starts with symptoms including:

    • fever (>38°C)
    • swollen glands in the neck, groin, or armpits (lymphadenopathy)
    • headache
    • muscle / joint pain
    • fatigue
    • red, mildly itchy/ gritty-feeling eyes (conjunctivitis)

    Following this a rash develops (1-5 days after onset of the fever) which is usually limited to the face, mouth, hands, feet and trunk. Occasionally the rash is localised to the genitals and anus.

    It can change in appearance from pimples, blisters, sores, which then form ulcers or scabs. These can vary in size and number from one to several thousand.

    Some people only experience the rash with no other symptoms.

    How do I manage mild symptoms?

    You may experience relief by taking paracetamol and ibuprofen, particularly if you have a fever.

    • For adults 18 years and over, the paracetamol dose is 1g orally every 4-6 hours, with a maximum dose of 4g within a 24-hour period.
    • For adults 18 years and over, the ibuprofen dose is 400mg orally every 4-6 hours, with a maximum dose of 1.2g within a 24-hour period.

    When should I seek medical review?

    Whilst most people experience only a mild illness, it is important to monitor for new / worsening symptoms.

    These include:

    • Rapidly spreading hot / red skin rash
    • Significant increase in number / pain of lesions
    • Cough productive of sputum
    • Worsening or double / blurred vision, eye pain and / or swelling around the eye(s)
    • Severe muscle pain
    • Constipation
    • Increasing rectal pain
    • Inability to eat or drink
    • Passing less / minimal urine compared to normal
    • Deterioration in mental health – low mood, thoughts of self-harm or suicidal intent

    Please call in to the virtual ward 24-hour Deterioration Hotline…… if you are concerned.

    When do I call an ambulance?

    You should call 000 if you experience the following signs of serious illness:

    • Shortness of breath
    • Confusion, agitation or drowsiness
    • Seizure
    • Shivering and shaking uncontrollably
    • You collapse or faint

    These symptoms require urgent medical attention. Notify the ambulance service you have Monkeypox when you call them initially.

    Can I have sex?

    You should abstain from sex until ALL the skin lesions from Monkeypox have crusted, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

    It is unclear at this time whether the Monkeypox virus remains infectious in semen after recovery, it is therefore recommended you must use condoms for sexual activity (receptive, insertive oral/anal/vaginal) for 8 weeks after recovery to reduce the risk of transmission.

    Useful contacts

    Mental health and counselling – 1300 MH CALL (1300 64 22 55)