What is Monkeypox and what are the symptoms?
Monkeypox is an illness caused by a virus from the same family of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms include fever/chills, headache, body aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and a characteristic rash that can look like pimples or blisters appearing on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely and the illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Monkeypox can be a very uncomfortable and even painful illness, but is rarely fatal.
How can I protect myself against Monkeypox?
- Avoid close, skin to skin contact with the monkeypox rash
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox
- Do not share eating utensils or cups
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a sick person
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with sick people
Monkeypox Vaccine
Call your local health department for more information regarding the vaccine supply and how to get a vaccine in your local community.
Get Care
- If you have Included Health benefits, activate your account to get care now
- Start a telehealth visit to see a doctor now (many visits are covered depending on your insurance and employer plan).
How Employers Can Support Their Workforce (Employers)
About the author
Editorial Team
Our Editorial Team is composed of our leaders, clinicians, and care coordinators, as well as other Included Health employees, all who are working to raise the standard of healthcare for everyone. Together, they combine decades of subject matter experience across all fields of healthcare.
