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---- July 29th, 2022 ----
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Self Care: Managing Monkeypox Infection
Below are some tips for managing monkeypox symptoms for yourself, friends and partners:
- Wear loose-fitted clothing to cover the rashes. Gauze and bandages work well too, but members of the community say these can be uncomfortable as the lesions and sores progress.
- Skin rashes can be itchy, but try not to touch or scratch them to prevent their spread. Wash hands immediately afterwards and before touching other parts of your body.
- Petroleum jelly (i.e., vaseline) may help relieve itchiness. Community members have mentioned some ointments can be messy or uncomfortable, especially if lesions cover large areas of your body.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, like ibuprofen and acetominophen, may help reduce the pain and discomfort. Talk to you healthcare provider if you are on other medications to make sure these are safe to take.
- FaceTime your friends and partners and reach out to connect with them. Have virtual lunch or coffee/tea or “Netflix & Chill” from a distance. Stream meditation videos and listen to your favorite music. Support each other.
- Stay home and rest if you have a fever, and wear a mask when around others.
- Keep bedding, bath towels and clothing away from shared spaces to prevent spread in your household, and wash separately.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if symptoms become severe, or if spots or sores develop sores on or near sensitive areas like your eyes, genitals, anus, or throat. You may need and be eligible for investigative treatment although supplies are limited. To read more about this, visit sf.gov/monkeypox.
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REMINDER
People of any sexual orientation and gender identity can get and spread monkeypox. We should avoid stigmatizing a particular group, and rather support those at highest risk and ensure that all communities remain vigilant.
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PSA Launch: Click & Share
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Help us spread awareness about monkeypox and how to prevent it. Visit the SFGOV TV YouTube channel to watch and share other public service announcements and tiktok videos.
We encourage others to make their own videos. Below is a short script to get you started:
“Monkeypox cases are rising in SF, but the good news is you can protect yourself and others. Let’s work together to stop monkeypox! Visit sf.gov/monkeypox to learn more.”
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Upcoming Community Engagements
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Monkeypox LGBTQ Community Stakeholder Meeting
- Tuesday, August 2nd @ 10am PST
- Hosted by the California Department of Public Health, inviting all CBOs serving LGBTQ Californians, local health departments, and community advocates to participate in a briefing about monkeypox in California.
- Register in advance at this link.
San Francisco Weekly Monkeypox Community Huddle
- Weekly on Fridays at 12pm beginning August 5th
- The San Francisco Department of Public Health invites local CBOs and community groups to join a weekly huddle to improve awareness of DPH efforts, establish new partnerships, share current trends (as data is available), as well as create a forum that builds on community ideas, best practices, and needs.
- Use the Zoom link to join each week starting Friday, Aug. 5th at 12pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82854764143
*Email mpx@sfdph.org if you have ideas or topics you want to see included or if you have requests for information and presentations.*
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Testing & TreatmentTesting is for people who develop symptoms (like sores or rashes). There is no FDA approved treatment for monkeypox infection, although there is an “investigation” drug called Tecovirimat, or TPOXX , for severe cases. Supply is limited. The CDC has set up a process for health systems to request TPOXX, and SFDPH is working hard to get more for those in need. Learn more here.
Click here for more information on testing and treatment in SF, and contact your healthcare provider to discuss your options.
If you don’t have a healthcare provider, or can’t get an appointment, go to either:
- SF City Clinic on 7th Street in San Francisco (628-217-6600), or
- Strut at 470 Castro Street (415-581-1600)
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Vaccine Info
Vaccines for Monkeypox are available by appointment or drop-in depending on eligibility and while supplies last. Click here to learn more.
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Monkeypox Support Group?
Would you want to attend a virtual monkeypox support group and join others who also have monkeypox and share experiences and coping tools to support each other? Responses are anonymous.
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We want to support our local communities in San Francisco. Email mpx@sfdph.org if you would like to request additional information or a presentation on monkeypox for your organization or community group (Se habla español).
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