Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UKHSA advises self-isolation for people with monkeypox infection

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised self-isolation for people diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Household members are at the highest risk of becoming infected from a case within their house. The new guidance advises people with monkeypox infection to take steps to try and limit transmission within the household.


“Monkeypox infection mainly spreads between people through direct, skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. Infection can also be spread via contaminated objects such as linen and soft furnishings,” said UKHSA.

The guidance advises that, where possible, cases are encouraged to sleep and eat in a separate room and use a separate bathroom to their household if possible. Good hygiene measures, to follow at all times, have also been set out.

It suggests, "Where the use of a separate room isn’t possible, cases should avoid physical contact and keep at least three steps (one metre) away from all household members. It is particularly important that they avoid close contact with young children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people as they may be at higher risk of serious illness."

Other advice includes keeping laundry separate from other household members and avoiding any close contact with pets.

Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: “Self-isolation is an important measure for protecting others from monkeypox. Staying at home and doing all we can to avoid close contact with other people in the household will prevent the spread of this virus.

“We know that self-isolation is not easy for some so it’s important that people ask for support if needed. The guidance also advises on the criteria that cases should meet before they can end their isolation.”

"Self-isolation guidance also recognises that staying at home for a prolonged period can be difficult, frustrating and lonely for some, particularly if they don’t have much space or access to a garden," said UKHSA.

"People who are self-isolating are advised to keep in touch with family and friends by phone or social media and seek support if they need it, for example by accessing the Every Mind Matters website."

More For You

Professor Sir Stephen Powis at a press briefing

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, was appointed national medical director of NHS England in 2018

NHS

NHS England’s top doctor to step down following Amanda Pritchard’s resignation

Just a week after NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced her resignation, the organisation’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, has confirmed he will step down this summer after more than seven years in the role.

In a statement released on Thursday, Professor Powis revealed that he had informed Pritchard of his intention to leave in a letter back in January.

Keep ReadingShow less
PDA calls on GP practices to use funding boost to improve job security for pharmacists

Now, it is time to focus on the community pharmacy contract

gettyimages

PDA urges GP practices to ensure funding boost supports employed pharmacists

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has called on GP practicesto ensure that all healthcare professionals they employ, including pharmacists, benefit from the 7.2% funding boost they received under a newly agreed contract.

GP employers are encouraged to improve “job security, pay and conditions” for employees with this increased funding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Fourth Shift: Investment in Innovative Medicines Crucial for NHS 10-Year Plan Success

Medicines should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost

gettyimages

ABPI wants to see a ‘fourth shift’ in NHS 10-Year Health Plan


The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has called on the government to increase investment in innovative medicines and vaccines, describing it as a crucial “fourth shift” necessary to ensure the NHS is fit for the future.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asda pharmacy launches UK’s first adult earache service

Asda makes ear health more accessible for everyone

gettyimages

Asda pharmacy launches £25 adult earache service

British supermarket chain Asda has launched the “UK’s first” adult earache service, aiming to reduce the burden on NHS services by eliminating the need for a GP appointment.

Priced at £25, the service allows patients aged 18 and over to book same-day appointments with qualified Asda pharmacists at any of its 226 pharmacies in England.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr Penelope Dash new chair of NHS England

Dr Penny Dash is currently the chair of the NHS North West London Integrated Care Board

parliamentlive

Dr Penelope Dash appointed as new chair of NHS England

Dr Penny Dash has been appointed as the next chair of NHS England following an open public appointment process.

She will succeed Richard Meddings, who is set to step down next month, and her four-year term begins on April 1, 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less