About this topic
Smallpox is caused by a virus and spreads very easily from person to person. People do not get smallpox today. In the past, everyone was given a shot against smallpox. This got rid of the virus across the world. Now, you may only come in contact with a smallpox virus if you are in a research lab or if it is used as chemical warfare. Even one case of smallpox would be a health crisis throughout the world. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You will be treated in a room where others cannot visit. Do not let other people go inside your room to prevent the spread of smallpox.
- Take your drugs as ordered by the doctor.
- Care of the sores:
- Do not scratch your sores. This will help keep them from getting infected. It may also help lessen your scars.
- Use cold, clean cloths or take cool baths to help relieve itching.
- Eat soft foods if you have sores in your mouth. Avoid spicy or salty foods.
- Drink lots of water to prevent fluid loss.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Vaccines may be given 1 to 4 days after exposure to the disease. This will prevent the illness or make it less severe. If signs have already appeared, treatment may be limited. ‚
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Relieve the signs of smallpox
- Prevent fluid loss
- Treat a bacterial infection in your lungs and skin, if needed
Will physical activity be limited?
Avoid activities where you are around other people until you are fully healed from smallpox. You can spread smallpox to others until all of your scabs have fallen off. This may take 3 to 4 weeks. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection of your skin or bone
- Very bad scars
- Swelling of your brain
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid coming in contact with a person who has smallpox. Avoid touching clothing and bedding from that person also.
- If you do come in contact with a person who has smallpox, get a smallpox shot right away.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the sores; sores open up with heavy discharge.
- Headache
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Bleeding
- Dark red skin color
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will care for my sores.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a headache, trouble breathing, or unusual bleeding.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/smallpox.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1118/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚