Question 1

2 weeks ago i got the smallpox vaccine. ive had all the minor side effects, but recently ive been having really bad migraines and my neck, for the past two days has been stiff to where i cant move it and sharp pains if i try to. is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Migraines  neck pain: The smallpox vaccine can have many side effects including headache and stiff neck, however these are uncommon. Given the potentially dangerous consequences of these side effects it is suggested that a doctor evaluate these in person.
 
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/smallpox-vaccine-injection-route/side-effects/drg-20071296

Question 2

where does smallpox still exist?

Accepted Answer

Smallpox: The WHO announced World-wide eradication of Smallpox on May 8 1980. There may still be some quantities of smallpox in limited research labs but it no longer occurs naturally.

Question 3

i thought smallpox was cured?  can i still catch it?

Accepted Answer

Only if it returns: There have been no cases in the wild since 1977 & this means no cases in the future unless someone with access to the virus brings it back. Military & civilian specialists keep up their vaccinations & would be out wall to keep it from spreading.

Question 4

are there any medications that can treat smallpox symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Treatment supportive: When it was prevalent, smallpox was treated with supportive measures like fluids, rest, attention to complications etc. Since the last cases in the US were in 1949 &amp; worldwide in 1977 there are no active cases to study the newer medications.

Question 5

could you tell me why haven't more diseases since smallpox been eradicated?

Accepted Answer

Because most: diseases have non-human reservoirs.  Rinderpest (cattle) has also been eradicated.

Question 6

is smallpox deadly?

Accepted Answer

Yes: During its active years smallpox in general had a 30% case fatality rate, highest in children and older adults. Some subtypes with malignant or hemorrhagic smallpox approached a 100% fatality rate.

Question 7

is smallpox contagious?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Viral particles from mouth sores or skin blisters are the infective material. It is passed only person to person, no animals or insect carriers.

Question 8

what color are smallpox spots?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Since it is 30+ years since smallpox was eradicated we have only written descriptions & pictures in texts. Flat spots that grew to dime sized and became "pearls of puss"are described. There early concentration on the face led to early recognition. Spots followed 2-5 days of fever 102-104 and prostration to the point of being bedridden.

Question 9

could a mosquito carry smallpox?

Accepted Answer

No: Smallpox has no animal  or insect reservoirs.

Question 10

can you get vaccinated for smallpox?

Accepted Answer

Vaccine use limited: There is a vaccine in limited use. The military & a limited number of civilians have been vaccinated to act as a first line of defence if smallpox were ever to return. (last case in the wild in 1977) see www.Bt.Cdc.Gov/agent/smallpox/index.Asp.

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Doctor answers about:

Long term effects of smallpox

A member asked:

2 weeks ago i got the smallpox vaccine. ive had all the minor side effects, but recently ive been having really bad migraines and my neck, for the past two days has been stiff to where i cant move it and sharp pains if i try to. is that normal?

A member asked:

Where does smallpox still exist?

A member asked:

I thought smallpox was cured? can i still catch it?

A member asked:

Are there any medications that can treat smallpox symptoms?

A member asked:

Could you tell me why haven't more diseases since smallpox been eradicated?

A member asked:

Is smallpox deadly?

A member asked:

Is smallpox contagious?

A member asked:

What color are smallpox spots?

A member asked:

Could a mosquito carry smallpox?

A member asked:

Can you get vaccinated for smallpox?

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