There is no effective treatment for smallpox disease after the outbreak.
Only the treatments to manage symptoms are available. However, vaccination
can be effective up to 4 days after exposure and before the appearance of
rash.
Cidofovir is currently under laboratory studies for the treatment
Vaccine
The smallpox vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, a virus closely
related to smallpox. Unlike many other vaccines, which contain dead virus,
the vaccine contains the “live” vaccinia virus. However, the
vaccine can not give one smallpox, because the virus it contains is not
the smallpox virus.
The smallpox vaccine provides immunity that lasts up to 3 to 5 years and
dwindles thereafter.
It shows 95% success rate in protecting people against the smallpox virus
and can also prevent or significantly lessen the severity of infection when
given within 3 days after exposure.
Possible Side
Effects of Vaccination
Rash
Fever
Head and body aches
Allergic reaction at the site of the vaccination
Contra-indications
People who have had eczema or atopic dermatitis can experience sever adverse
effects
who have weakened immune system(due to receiving a transplant, being HIV
positive, taking medication, and etc.), who are pregnant or who breast-feed
can suffer severe adverse effects.
