Five tips for recovering safely from mpox at home
December 8, 2024
Mpox cases continue to rise globally, including in the WHO Western Pacific Region, with heightened risk due to increased travel and gatherings. Mpox spreads through close physical contact and shared items. To reduce transmission, individuals with mpox should isolate, follow healthcare advice, practice good hygiene, and support contact tracing. Managing symptoms includes maintaining skin hygiene, using over-the-counter pain relief, and staying hydrated. Mental health care is also critical during isolation. Open communication with close contacts and healthcare providers can help prevent further spread. Public awareness and responsible behavior remain essential to controlling this public health threat.
Mpox remains a pressing global health concern, with continued community transmission reported in the WHO Western Pacific Region. Rising travel and social gatherings heighten the risk of further spread, particularly among vulnerable populations. Mpox is transmitted through close contact, including skin-to-skin interaction, shared items like bedding or clothing, and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches, which can last up to four weeks.
Effective management of mpox starts with home isolation to limit exposure. Infected individuals should stay in separate rooms, ventilate shared spaces, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Covering lesions, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distance reduce the likelihood of transmission. Pain relief through over-the-counter medication and proper skin care, such as keeping lesions dry and avoiding scratching, helps alleviate discomfort. Staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and resting are crucial for recovery.
Good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and cleaning shared toilets and laundry with bleach-based disinfectants, prevent environmental contamination. Isolated individuals should avoid all physical contact, including with pets, to reduce cross-species transmission. Mental health support plays a critical role during isolation; engaging in light exercise, staying connected with loved ones through virtual platforms, and seeking counseling when needed can alleviate stress and anxiety.
Contact tracing remains essential in limiting outbreaks. Open conversations with close contacts and sexual partners about symptoms and potential exposure help mitigate stigma while enabling timely medical interventions. Accessing reliable health information from trusted sources empowers communities to make informed decisions.
A coordinated public health response focused on education, prevention, and early treatment is key to managing the ongoing mpox outbreak. Personal responsibility and healthcare engagement are vital in breaking the chain of transmission and safeguarding global health.