Which is worse chickenpox or smallpox

Chickenpox is spread through inhaling respiratory droplets that are generated when a sick person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or with fluid from the ruptured blisters. Like chickenpox, measles can be spread through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes as well as through contact with a surface or object that has been contaminated.

Since both chickenpox and measles are caused by a viral infection, treatment is focused on easing symptoms until the infection clears. Since the chickenpox rash can be very itchy, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to help with itching. These groups may be prescribed an antiviral medication, such as acyclovir, which can help to decrease the severity of the infection. If you do come down with measles or chicken pox, the disease may be milder. Chickenpox and measles can be prevented through vaccination.

Both vaccines are given in two doses. The first dose is given between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second dose is given between the ages of 4 and 6 years. This not only protects you from infection, but also helps to prevent chickenpox and measles from circulating within your community. A chickenpox infection typically lasts between 5 and 10 days. Chickenpox is typically mild, but can cause severe complications in at-risk groups. However, the virus remains dormant within your body and can reactivate as shingles later in life.

A measles infection can last over a timeframe of two to three weeks. The possible complications of measles infection include ear infections, bronchitis , pneumonia , and encephalitis. There is a huge variety of rashes that can vary significantly in appearance. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Smallpox is a contagious, disfiguring and often deadly disease that has affected humans for thousands of years.

Smallpox Open pop-up dialog box Close. Smallpox These are smallpox lesions on the skin of the trunk. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Friedman HM, et al. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of smallpox. Accessed Feb. Smallpox vaccine: Drug information. Smallpox vaccine: Patient drug information. Hall JB, et al. Biological warfare. In: Principles of Critical Care.

New York, N. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently asked questions and answers on smallpox. World Health Organization. Friedman HM, et al. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

How is smallpox different from chickenpox? Diana Meeks on behalf of Sigma Nursing. Family Practitioner. Continue Learning about Smallpox Why does smallpox no longer cause epidemic outbreaks? Jeanne Morrison, PhD. Before the eighteenth century, smallpox was a serious cause of infectious disease epidemic outbreaks