The vaccine against smallpox

What is smallpox?

Smallpox is a disease, caused by a virus. At the time, she was one of the most dangerous infections in the world. Smallpox is no cure and can be fatal. Vaccination, not add to the the world is virtually absent. As is now the case of smallpox is very rare, Routine vaccination is not currently conducted.

Smallpox can be spread from person to person through direct contact. It can also be spread through bodily fluids or linens and clothing, who have been infected. Smallpox can be spread through the air, although this is rare.

The main symptoms of smallpox are:

• Heat;
• Headache;
• Body aches;
• Vomiting.

When the virus progresses, a red rash appears on the tongue and in the mouth, which is distributed throughout the body in the form of red spots. The spots turn into lumps, on the fourth day that the filling liquid and are recessed in the middle. Then, in their place are formed scabs (crust of dead tissue).

What is the smallpox vaccine?

Smallpox vaccine contains live smallpox virus. The vaccine is administered by injection.

Who and when to be vaccinated against smallpox?

You should be vaccinated, If you come into contact with the virus or at risk of infection. If you are a military or working in an area with a high risk of infection with smallpox, you also need to be vaccinated.

Risks, associated with the smallpox vaccine

Because the skin is administered live virus, it can spread to other areas of the body, or even others. The injection site must be protected, To prevent this.

Common side effects of smallpox vaccine include:

• Rash;
• Fever;
• Headache;
• Body aches;
• Soreness in the hands of.

Who should not be vaccinated against smallpox?

You should not be vaccinated following persons:

• Pregnant or lactating women;
• Children, age less 12 months;
• Person, which had previous allergic reactions to the vaccine or any of its components;
• Persons with eczema or who had a history of eczema or other skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis;
• People with injuries and diseases of the skin, such as burns, enable vetryanaya, shingles, impetigo, herpes, severe acne, psoriasis. Before the introduction of the vaccine to such persons, you need to wait their recovery;
• People with heart disease, multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke or symptoms;
• People with weakened immune systems (eg, face after transplantation, sick HIV, after cancer treatment, or taking medications, that suppress the immune system, including steroids).

What happens in the event of a smallpox outbreak?

If there is a smallpox outbreak, vaccination of the entire population.