What to do if you are sick
If you have symptoms of mpox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you have had contact with someone who has mpox.
Most people with mpox fully recover within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment from a healthcare provider. People with a weakened immune system or those who may be more likely to get very ill may need medical treatment.
If you have mpox, you are asked to stay at home and stay away from other people and animals until your rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. More information is found at CDC’s Prevent Spread to Others webpage.
What are the treatment options for mpox?
There are no specific treatments for mpox . However, mpox and smallpox viruses are similar. This means that treatments developed to protect against smallpox may be used to treat mpox.
Not everyone who has symptoms of mpox is recommended to take medical treatments. Certain antivirals, such as Tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems. Many symptoms can be treated at home.
How can I treat symptoms at home?
The following list provides ways to take care of yourself and help reduce symptoms using medicines and remedies that do not require a prescription. Ask your provider or pharmacist for assistance choosing over-the-counter medicines. Read and closely follow any instructions on the medicine box and package insert, including about dose, frequency of use, who should not take or use the medicine, and allergies.
General Treatment
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids, especially if you have diarrhea.
- Keep rash and sores clean and dry when not showering or bathing to prevent the sores from becoming infected.
- Try not to touch or scratch the rash to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- The American Academy for Dermatology offers information about caring for the skin and lesions.
Treatment for Pain and Itching
- Medicines such as ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin) and acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) can help reduce pain, swelling, and fever. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and interval for each medicine.
- Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, and cooling lotions (such as menthol and camphor lotions) can provide temporary itch relief.
- Warm oatmeal baths or sitz bath can reduce itching and pain.
- Dibucaine ointment, often used for hemorrhoids, or lidocaine gel may also provide temporary relief. These are for external use only.
- Take docusate (such as Colace), a stool softener, to reduce pain when you go to the bathroom.
Treatment for Mouth Sores
- Rinse your mouth with clean salt water at least four times per day to keep mouth sores clean; a mouthwash with no alcohol (such as Listerine Zero Alcohol) can also be used.
- Suck on ice chips or ice pops and drink water to stay hydrated.
- Consider using patches (such as Dentemp Canker Cover) that cover the sores and benzocaine gels to reduce mouth pain, especially to help you eat and drink.
What do I do if I need medical treatment?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about treatment for mpox. Healthcare providers may not have these treatments on site, but they can work with VDH to provide them to patients.
TPOXX
Certain antivirals, such as Tecovirimat (TPOXX), may help treat severe mpox disease, and researchers are currently testing its effectiveness.
TPOXX may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.
It may also be prescribed for people with severe mpox symptoms, including:
- Bleeding or infected sores or rash
- Lesions that have turned into larger lesions
- Any condition that requires hospitalization
There is no cost to receive TPOXX.
If your healthcare provider suggests TPOXX for you, they may ask you to consider taking part in the clinical study of TPOXX called the Study of Tecovirimat for Human Monkeypox Virus (STOMP). STOMP is trying to find out how well TPOXX works against mpox infection.
In Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University is actively looking for patients to enroll in the STOMP trial. Enrollment must be in-person, but follow-up visits may be virtual. Compensation for time and travel is provided. To learn more, please call 804-828-9711 or email vcu.stomp.tpoxx@gmail.com.
Some research sites offer totally remote options. More information about the trial can be found at STOMP (stomptpoxx.org)
You do not need to join the study to be treated with TPOXX.
https://www.greaterthan.org/campaigns/mpox/
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox/what-to-know-about-the-monkeypox-virus-vdh/
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox/mpox-information-sheet-for-patients-vdh/
*available in additional languages. View all communication resources in additional languages.
How can I treat symptoms at home?
The following list provides ways to take care of yourself and help reduce symptoms using medicines and remedies that do not require a prescription. Ask your provider or pharmacist for assistance choosing over-the-counter medicines. Read and closely follow any instructions on the medicine box and package insert, including about dose, frequency of use, who should not take or use the medicine, and allergies.
General Treatment
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids, especially if you have diarrhea.
- Keep rash and sores clean and dry when not showering or bathing to prevent the sores from becoming infected.
- Try not to touch or scratch the rash to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- The American Academy for Dermatology offers information about caring for the skin and lesions.
Treatment for Pain and Itching
- Medicines such as ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin), naproxen (such as Aleve) and acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) can help reduce pain, swelling, and fever. It is important to keep to the recommended dosage and interval per medicine.
- Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, and cooling lotions (such as menthol and camphor lotions) can provide temporary itch relief.
- Warm oatmeal baths or sitz bath can reduce itching and pain.
- Dibucaine ointment, often used for hemorrhoids, or lidocaine gel may also provide temporary relief. These are for external use only.
- Take docusate (such as Colace), a stool softener, to reduce pain when you go to the bathroom.
Treatment for Mouth Sores
- Rinse your mouth with clean salt water at least four times per day to keep mouth sores clean; a mouthwash with no alcohol (such as Listerine Zero Alcohol) can also be used.
- Suck on ice chips or ice pops and drink water to stay hydrated.
- Consider using patches (such as Dentemp Canker Cover) that cover the sores and benzocaine gels to reduce mouth pain, especially to help you eat and drink.
Last updated: August 8, 2023
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