If I Am Experiencing Symptoms What Should I Do?
- Begin isolating as soon as you suspect you may have Monkeypox.
- Cover your lesions with bandaids or clothing. If you are in pain or need to tips for managing symptoms visit our home care page.
- Find testing as soon as possible at your nearest public health clinic, primary care provider, or sexual health clinic. Common places in the Twin Cities to get tested are Red Door Clinic, Positive Care Center, Clinic 555, and Allina Uptown. Call ahead and tell them you may be having symptoms of Monkeypox and would like testing. If you would like assistance with making that call please email us at info@mplspox.com or call or text us at: 612-424-2231.
- Document your symptoms by taking photos, noting when you first showed symptoms, and keeping track of what symptoms you are experiencing.
- Ask for a note from your provider for work or school indicating that you are being evaluated for a viral illness and need to isolate at home. You will need to isolate while waiting for results. Some clinics receive results back within 1 day while others take 4-5 days.
What If I Was Exposed To Monkeypox?
If you are experiencing symptoms of Monkeypox after being exposed, get tested as soon as possible and isolate. People who have come into contact with Monkeypox should monitor symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure.
If you do not have symptoms you can continue daily activities and do not have to isolate. Being vaccinated is a way to prevent Monkeypox by up to 85%. See our vaccination calculator to find on what date you will receive maximum immunity. If you are exposed to Monkeypox and receive the vaccine within 4 days, there is a lower chance of transmission. If you are vaccinated 4-14 days after exposure, it may not prevent transmission but it can reduce symptoms of monkeypox. It is still possible to get Monkeypox after your first and your second dose so continue to take precautions even if vaccinated.