What Can I Do to Prevent Mpox?
What we know: Precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of mpox and are integral to protecting yourself and your community. Vaccination, and remaining diligent in monitoring ourselves for symptoms and seek testing if we think we are symptomatic.
What is still unclear: As mentioned previously, research is being done to see if condoms can help reduce the likelihood of mpox transmission. While we don’t know for certain, you may want to consider using condoms during sex as part of your mpox prevention strategies in the meanwhile (condoms also help prevent STIs, including HIV!).
It is unclear if respiratory droplets have contributed to transmission of mpox during this current outbreak, but epidemiologists feel it to be much less than skin-to-skin contact.
The mpox virus can survive on shared items such as towels and beddings. It is unclear if certain traditionally queer spaces like bathhouses and circuit parties may be sites of transmission even for people who aren’t having sex. HIM has been working with these types of venues across the province to ensure they are up-to-date on all things mpox, including cleaning, to keep them as safe as possible. These venues are invested in the health of our communities, and many have even worked with public health to organize their own pop-up vaccine clinics.
