Smallpox

Treatment Overview

There is no cure for smallpox. After symptoms start, treatment consists of supportive medical care, including giving the person fluids to prevent dehydration and medicines to control pain and fever. New treatments, such as medicines that work well for other viral diseases, may also be tried.

Isolating the person until all the scabs have fallen off—about 3 to 4 weeks after the rash first appears—is necessary to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: January 31, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.