Smallpox shot?

Question

i just got my anthrax and smallpox shots. Any corpsemen in here that can tell me how easy it is to spread to my spouse. and how long does it usually take to turn into the festering pus filled blister?

also, does this annoying shot guarantee that i wont contract smallpox or hadjipox or whatever when i get to iraq?

also, does this annoying shot guarantee that i wont contract smallpox or hadjipox or whatever when i get to iraq?

Answer 1

The last confirmed case of smallpox on the planet was in 1975. The inoculation you received cannot transmit smallpox to your wife. But, you should keep it covered until the scab which forms has sloughed off. It doesn't turn into a pus-filled blister. Don't scratch at it. That will just give you the possibility of a secondary infection.

Answer 2

The shot isn't actually smallpox - it's a watered-down version of cowpox. While the chances of your spouse (or anyone else you come into contact with) getting it are slim to none, you still have to be careful.

Keep it covered, and wash your hands even if you THINK you might have touched it. Don't let your spouse pick up the bandaids - I flushed mine down the toilet after dipping them in bleach.

Within a week, you'll get a nasty looking spot. Don't touch it.

Within 3 weeks, the scab should fall off (sometimes give or take a few days). When you cover it - after it's turned into a pus blister thing - don't stretch the band-aid tight. Let it get some air while it's covered, which will help it dry out and fall off sooner.

Once that crap falls off, you'll have a scar, but you can touch the area again.

It's going to itch like a mother... just don't mess with it. Mind over matter, dude. :)

Good luck! (Note - I messed with mine, and it took 4 weeks to heal - and the scar is bigger than everyone else's.)

Oh - and if it doesn't scab up, they have to stick you again, only 15 times. Cross your fingers, 'cause the sore you'll get will be bigger than the one from when they poke you 3 times.

Answer 3

The small pox shot cannot give your spouse small pox-if it did you would get it. About two weeks it will all gone ad leave a little round scar. Look at anyone over about 50 and they all have it since it used to be given to all American children in school; that is why small pox has been gone in the U.S. for years/decades. Other parts of the world have not done that which is why if foreigners visit they have to be vaccinated so that don't bring it and Americans traveling overseas to those areas get it so that can't catch small pox and bring it back.

Answer 4

if your spouse comes into direct contact with it they could get it, thats why they said to keep it covered up. it should turn to blisters in 1-3 days or so

Answer 5

If I remember correctly it should be fine after about 17 days. Just keep it covered and do not touch it. Was your hands after changing the bandage. Do that and everything should be fine.