Treatment
There is no cure for smallpox. However, there are treatments for patients exposed to the virus. A smallpox vaccine has been created for victims already exposed to the virus. Vaccination within three days of exposure has maximum effect in lessening the severity of smallpox symptoms. Vaccination between four to seven days gives some protection against the disease. Other treatment is mostly supportive like wound care, fluid therapy, and infection control. Some studies suggest that the antiviral drug cidofovir could be used as a therapeutic agent. Due to the eradication of smallpox in recent times, there is little to no need for a cure for smallpox but scientists are researching for a cure in case of a future outbreak.