Mpox update

We do not currently have any mpox vaccines in clinics, so we can’t offer this service.  We are following national guidelines and will keep you updated on any changes.

Please call our booking and information line if you have: 

  • a rash with blisters,
  • anal pain or bleeding from your bottom

AND have either:

  • been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have mpox (even if they've not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks,
  • had 1 or more new sexual partners in the past 3 weeks,
  • or been to west or central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Countries currently affected or bordering those affected are:

  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Central African Republic
  • Burundi
  • Rwanda
  • Uganda
  • Angola
  • South Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • Zambia

If you think you might have mpox, please stay at home and do not use our clinic walk-in service. Instead, call our booking and information line on 0800 328 3383. If you are unable to contact our booking and information line, please call 111 for advice.

Mpox used to be called monkeypox. There has been a rise in cases in the UK, but it is still a rare infection here. It is more common in west or central Africa. 

You can get mpox through close contact with someone who has it. This includes having sex. Anyone can get it, but most cases in the UK have been in men who have sex with men. If you’re in this group, make sure you’re extra aware of the symptoms. 

If you’re worried you might have mpox you should stay at home and call 111. Avoid close contact with other people. You might feel embarrassed but there’s no need. Taking these steps is the best way to look after yourself and others.

The first symptoms of mpox can take 5 to 21 days to show. You might have:

  • a high temperature
  • a headache
  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • swollen glands
  • shivers (chills)
  • extreme fatigue
  • joint pain

Often, you’ll get a rash 1 to 5 days after you get your first symptom, or symptoms. This rash is like chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into blisters before scabbing over.

The rash may start on your face before spreading. It can then appear on your mouth, genitals and anus (bottom).

You might also have bleeding from, or pain in, your anus.

You can get mpox from someone else through:

  • close physical contact 
  • sex 
  • contact with shared clothing, bedding or towels
  • coughs or sneezes

You can also get mpox from rodents in some parts of west and central Africa. This might be because you’ve touched them or been bitten by them. You can also get it if you eat their meat and it has not been cooked through.

Call 111 if you have:

  • pain around your anus (bottom), or
  • a rash with blisters around your anus, or
  • bleeding from your anus 

And in the last 3 weeks, you have either:

  • been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who might have mpox, even if they have not been tested
  • had sex with 1 or more new people
  • been to west or central Africa

We ask that you do not to come to one of our clinics if you suspect you have mpox. Call our helpline on 0800 328 3383 instead. 

It is likely that you will not need testing or treatment for mpox. It tends to cause mild symptoms that clear by themselves within a few weeks.

Just stay at home and look after yourself. Stay away from other people, until your symptoms have cleared. This is so you do not spread it. 

You’re more at risk of having severe symptoms if you’re older or have a lowered immune system.

If your symptoms worsen you may need to go to hospital to have treatment.

Mpox is rare but you can protect yourself by knowing about the symptoms. This could help you avoid contact with someone who has it. 

Plus:

  • Talk to anyone you’re planning to have sex with about their sexual health and any symptoms they might have.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who might have mpox, even if they have not been diagnosed.
  • Do not share bedding, towels or clothes with someone who might have mpox.

•    Contact a sexual health clinic near you. 
•    Use our free, confidential condom service. 
•    Get tested for STIs, in private and for free.