Have you ever wanted to talk about sex with your friends or peers and didn’t know how or where to start? Maybe you had a question about a sexual experience, or you wanted to hear their thoughts. Some international students have shared with us that they felt unsure on […]
Hepatitis B can be confusing, and that’s led to some common myths. This Hepatitis Awareness Week (28 July – 3 August), let’s look at the facts to clear things up. Firstly, what is hep B? Hepatitis B (hep B) is a liver infection caused by the hep B virus. It’s […]
Do you ever find yourself looking for sexual health information online and even on social media? How can you tell if the information you are seeing is credible, reliable or really not the best? This month, the International Student Health Hub sat down with Aiman Rizal, a PhD researcher and […]
Have you ever wanted to talk about sex with your friends or peers and didn’t know how or where to start? Maybe you had a question about a sexual experience, or you wanted to hear their thoughts. Some international students have shared with us that they felt unsure on […]
Hepatitis B can be confusing, and that’s led to some common myths. This Hepatitis Awareness Week (28 July – 3 August), let’s look at the facts to clear things up. Firstly, what is hep B? Hepatitis B (hep B) is a liver infection caused by the hep B virus. It’s […]
Do you ever find yourself looking for sexual health information online and even on social media? How can you tell if the information you are seeing is credible, reliable or really not the best? This month, the International Student Health Hub sat down with Aiman Rizal, a PhD researcher and […]
The iconic Mardi Gras Festival is back from 14th February to 2nd March 2025! Celebrating its 47th year, the festival’s theme is Free to Be. “Free To Be is a manifesto of what our community has desired and fought for dozens of decades, and the reason why we will […]
Mpox, previously called ‘monkeypox’ is on the rise in NSW. Knowing what to look out for can keep you safe.
Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. People at highest risk of mpox in NSW are men who have sex with men, particularly those having sex overseas or with people who have returned from overseas.
Symptoms of mpox usually begin 7-14 days after being exposed to the infection but can appear anywhere within a few days to a few weeks. Common symptoms of mpox include:
Some people may also have these symptoms: a fever, exhaustion, a headache, muscle aches and back aches, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth.
Mpox can spread through:
There is a vaccine to protect against mpox called JYNNEOS. It is free for everyone (including international students and people without Medicare) and recommended in NSW for eligible groups of people. To find out if you are eligible for the free vaccine, call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
You can also protect yourself from mpox, by:
Mpox is tested for by taking a sample (a swab) of a blister or scab of your rash. The sample is then sent for testing at a laboratory. You may be asked to stay home and isolate until your doctor or nurse tells you your results.
Testing is free and private at NSW sexual health clinics. You can get a test for mpox at your local doctor and at a sexual health clinic. Remember, mpox can only be tested for if you have active symptoms like a blister/rash. You can call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 for more information and to find the closest service to you.
If your test is positive for mpox, it’s important to let your partners know so they can get tested and treated too. If you need help contacting your partners ask your doctor or call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
Most people with mpox can manage it at home by staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter pain medicine from a pharmacy. A doctor or nurse is able to provide you with information and support. People who get really sick from mpox may need to go to hospital.
If you would like an interpreter to help you access health services or information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.