As we move into a season filled with celebrations, connection, and community, it’s important to stay mindful of your health. Mpox, a contagious viral illness, continues to impact individuals locally and globally. At Spectrum Medical, we’re committed to ensuring you have the knowledge, tools, and care to stay protected.
Whether you’re preparing for a summer trip, attending a festival, or spending time with loved ones, being informed about mpox and how to prevent its spread can help you enjoy the season with confidence.
Your Health Comes First: Understanding Mpox
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox. It spreads primarily through close, prolonged contact, particularly skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact during intimate or household interactions. While anyone can contract mpox, individuals with multiple sexual partners or those in close-contact networks may face a higher risk.
Common symptoms include:
- Painful or itchy rashes, bumps, or blisters—often appearing on the genitals, face, hands, or chest
- Fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue, headache, or swollen lymph nodes
In most cases, symptoms begin within three weeks of exposure and last about two to four weeks. Some people experience mild or no symptoms but can still transmit the virus. Mpox can be more severe for pregnant people, children, and individuals with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV. If you experience any of these symptoms, Spectrum Medical encourages you to schedule an appointment for evaluation. Our care provider team can provide accurate testing, supportive treatment, and personalized guidance to help you heal and protect others.
How Mpox Is Transmitted
Mpox is transmitted through direct contact with infected lesions, skin, or bodily fluids. It can also be spread through respiratory droplets during close face-to-face interactions. Transmission may occur in the following ways:
- Intimate physical contact, including sex, kissing, or cuddling
- Sharing items such as bedding, towels, or clothing
- Health care-related exposures, including needle injuries
- Community settings like tattoo parlors, where hygiene protocols may not be followed
- From a pregnant individual to their baby during pregnancy or birth
Understanding how mpox spreads is the first step to prevention. Spectrum Medical provides respectful, nonjudgmental care and education to help you take control of your health.
Testing, Treatment, and Vaccination at Spectrum Medical
When it comes to managing mpox, early action makes a difference. At Spectrum Medical, we offer comprehensive services to support your care every step of the way:
- Mpox testing and symptom evaluation
- Free mpox vaccinations for individuals at high risk
- Treatment planning and symptom management
- HIV testing and STI screenings, with seamless follow-up care if needed
Vaccination is recommended for those who are at increased risk, including:
- Health care and frontline workers
- Individuals living in the same household or close-knit community as someone with mpox
- People with multiple sexual partners, including men who have sex with men
- Sex workers of any gender and their clients
Vaccines can also help protect those who have been exposed. For the best protection, a vaccine should be administered within four days of exposure, or within 14 days if symptoms have not developed. Spectrum Medical offers both pre- and post-exposure vaccination options, making it easier for you to access timely care and reduce your risk.
Individuals living with HIV should continue their antiretroviral therapy (ART) if diagnosed with mpox. If you are newly diagnosed with HIV, we recommend starting ART within seven days. Our team can support you in starting and managing HIV treatment with care tailored to your needs.
Prevention and Self-Care Tips
Most people recover from mpox within two to four weeks with proper care. Here’s how you can take care of yourself and protect others:
What to Do:
- Contact your health care provider if you notice symptoms or have been exposed
- Stay home and isolate in a well-ventilated room whenever possible
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Wear a mask and cover any lesions when around others
- Avoid touching shared items in communal spaces, and disinfect those spaces often
- Use saltwater rinses for mouth sores
- Take warm baths with Epsom salts or baking soda to relieve body discomfort
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce symptoms
What to Avoid:
- Do not pop or scratch blisters, as this can cause infection and spread the virus
- Do not shave areas with sores until they have fully scabbed and new skin has formed
Even if symptoms are mild or absent, mpox can still be passed on to others through close contact. Practicing good hygiene and awareness is essential, and Spectrum Medical is here to guide you through every step of your healing and prevention journey.
Reducing Risk and Staying Informed
If you’re diagnosed with mpox, it’s important to isolate until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed. You can help prevent further transmission by:
- Covering lesions and wearing a mask around others
- Using condoms during sex for 12 weeks after recovery to reduce transmission risk, even though condoms do not prevent skin-to-skin spread
- Limiting sexual activity with new partners, especially during periods of increased community transmission
If you’ve been exposed to mpox, monitor for symptoms for 21 days and avoid sexual activity during that time. Spectrum Medical offers supportive services and access to free testing and vaccinations to help reduce your risk and protect your community.
Addressing Stigma with Care and Respect
Mpox is a health issue, not a reflection of identity or behavior. Stigma, discrimination, and fear only make outbreaks harder to control. At Spectrum Medical, we treat every person with dignity and care, regardless of gender, orientation, or background.
We recognize that stigma surrounding mpox has particularly impacted men who have sex with men, trans individuals, and gender-diverse communities. Our clinic provides a safe and affirming environment where you can receive accurate information and inclusive care, free from judgment.
Take the Next Step: Your Health Is Worth It
This summer, make your well-being a priority. Mpox prevention starts with knowledge, access to care, and community support—and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Spectrum Medical. Whether you’re seeking vaccination, testing, or guidance about symptoms and exposure, our team is here to support you with comprehensive, judgment-free care.
Schedule your appointment today to learn more about mpox prevention, get vaccinated, or receive personalized care tailored to your health goals. At Spectrum Medical, you are seen, heard, and cared for because your health matters. If you haven’t been to Spectrum Medical for care and want to become a new patient, we are here for you.