Medicines and products for smallpox

There is no smallpox in the world today, so no one needs medicines or products for it in everyday life. This page explains what exists for emergency preparedness and what was used historically.

Vaccine The smallpox vaccine uses vaccinia virus, a related virus, to give immunity. It was the tool that ended smallpox. Routine vaccination stopped after eradication. Stockpiles are held by governments for emergencies, and vaccine is given to laboratory workers and selected responders.

Possible side effects include a sore, a fever and swollen glands. Rare serious reactions occur, especially in people with weak immunity or eczema. This is why the vaccine is not offered to the general public now.

Antiviral medicines In recent years, antivirals such as tecovirimat and brincidofovir have been approved in some countries for smallpox, based on animal studies and safety data in humans. They are held in national emergency stockpiles and used under official public health direction. They are not available as over-the-counter products.

Supportive care Hospital care in isolation, fluids, pain relief, and treatment of secondary bacterial infection are the main supportive steps.

Products to avoid Do not buy "smallpox cures", herbal kits or supplements that claim to treat or prevent smallpox. They have no proven benefit.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Classical formulations for Masurika are part of history. They are not a substitute for vaccine or antivirals.

Emergency note Any suspected smallpox case should be reported to health authorities at once. For breathlessness, bleeding or collapse, call 112.

Remember Smallpox vaccine and antivirals are controlled emergency tools, used only under public health direction.