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Smallpox Research Paper

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The first seven to seventeen days after being infected with Smallpox there are no symptoms and the sufferer feels normal. Then, in the next seven to seventeen days many flu like symptoms set in, including a fever, tiredness, vomiting, body aches, and headaches. Soon after small red bumps form on the tongue and mouth and spread from the head down, covering the entire body within twenty-four hours. Next, the bumps pustules, making pus filled blisters on the skin. Eventually, the pustules scab over. The sufferer is contagious until the last scab falls off, which is usually after three weeks from the start of the scabbing. (2)

There are two main strands of the Smallpox virus, Variola, which is less common, and Hemorrhagic, a very common form of the disease. Variola has a 30% …show more content…
In 1983 the vaccine was withdrawn from the public public for the safety of the people, since vaccination can be potentially harmful. Only people who have the potential to get the virus are vaccinated (2). The shot is a bifurcated needle dipped in Vaccinia, the vaccine solution, and pricked into the patient's arm between twelve and fifteen times. Vaccinia is a live virus and that is what makes the vaccination so dangerous (2). It is possible to get Vaccinia from the vaccine because it is an unaltered virus but, because of the similar qualities between the two diseases, it gives you a high immunity to Smallpox for three to five years (2). Since the shot uses a live virus there are very strict care instructions for the vaccination site.To prevent the spread of the Vaccina virus injected you must follow proper care instructions. In the first three to four days a bump appears. Soon, the bump blisters and fills with pus. The can be no skin contact until the blister drains, scabs over and falls

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