If youre a woman, you may need to be more demanding, she wrote of her experience.
Heres what you should know.
Be aware that monkeypox symptoms may not be super obvious right away.
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Any patient with rash consistent with monkeypox should be considered for testing, per the previously cited CDC report.
The lesions may be painful or itchy, and will eventually scab over and fall off before fully healing.
If you think you may be infected, quarantine immediately.
Wehateto use the word quarantine in a new context, but here we are.
Call a doctordont just show up at a medical office.
Adalja recommends that you go to your nearest emergency room.
(Again, call first if youre able.)
Get a second opinion if you feel brushed off and urge your provider for a test.
Heres the thing: You typically need a health care provider to order testing for monkeypox.
That doesnt mean you should just accept this answer if youre truly worried about your symptoms.
If your physician brushes you off, seek out another physician, Dr. Russo says.
We like to think that primary care physicians can get this done, but they may not.
The testing process itself is pretty simple, Dr. Adalja adds.
Testing involves swabbing a skin lesion, he explains.
(The CDC specifically encourages doctors to take two swabs from two to three lesions.)
If you dont have insurance, talk to your health care provider about your options.
Stay in quarantine while you wait for your results.
While you wait, you should continue to quarantine to be on the safe side, the CDC says.
You dont want to risk potentially spreading the virus to another person.
If you test positive for monkeypox, youll need to isolate yourself as the disease runs its course.
Your doctor should call you with your results once theyre available.
(If you have questions about whether themonkeypox vaccinemakes sense for you, talk to your doctor.)
If youre positive for monkeypox, youll be asked to self-isolate.
(you’re able to read the CDCs detailedisolation guidelines here.)
(Just know that this drug is currently hard to get, Dr. Russo says.)
Otherwise, youll want to take it easy.
Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take meds if youre feeling really crummy.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and cool compresses can help you manage uncomfortable symptoms.
