Smallpox

Smallpox is a contagious viral disease which can possibly turn deadly. Small pox can be prevented by a vaccine, although the vaccine has a lot of side effects. However, no cure of small pox exists.

Small pox spreads by close contact with the infected person, wearing clothes of the infected person and coming in contact with the body fluids. It does not spread through air by being in the same room, for instance, contrary to common belief.

Symptoms

Symptoms of small pox show in around fifteen to twenty days after you have been infected. The symptoms mimic those of flu which includes fever, anxiety, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, back and muscle pain which can be very severe, possible vomiting and discomfort.

A few days later, red spots appear on the skin, starting with the face and hands. Later they also appear on the trunk. Within a day or two, these red spots turn into blisters filled with pus. In eight to nine days, scabs begin to appear in place of the blister and they fall off leaving behind a scar and a mark for each blister.

When to see a doctor

If flu like symptoms accompanied by red patches appears, seek medical attention from the Internal Medicine Services at the Aga Khan University Hospital. You can also consult the Family Medicine Service Line at the Aga Khan University Hospital for possible treatment.

Prepare for your initial visit

Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Tests and diagnosis

Our doctors will diagnose the disease by looking at the red patches that appear on your skin. There are no tests conducted to be sure of the disease.

Treatment and services

There is no set treatment for small pox but if you feel your child or you have come in contact with somebody who was infected, you can get vaccinated from the Family Medicine Service Line at the Aga Khan University Hospital. Treatment for small pox is usually symptomatic where your symptoms will be alleviated through medications. The treatment also involves going high on fluids to keep the patient dehydrated.

Patient support

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments' costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.

Proposed use of medication

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.

Location	Phone Number
Main Hospital Contact Center (8 am – 12 midnight)	+92 21 111 911 911
Main Hospital - Clinic and Radiology Appointments (8 am – 12 midnight)	+92 21 111 911 911
Main Campus 24/7 Emergency, Stadium Road	+92 21 3486 1090
Clifton Medical Services: Consulting Clinics and 24/7 Urgent Care	+92 21 111 911 911
Main Hospital Clinical Laboratory	+92 21 111 911 911
Main Hospital Blood Bank	+92 21 3486 1558
Main Hospital Drug and Poison Information	+92 21 3486 1504 +92 21 3486 1506
Main Hospital Vaccination Services	+92 21 3486 1573 +92 21 3486 1495
Patient Welfare Department	+92 21 3486 9583 +92 21 3486 9584 +92 21 3486 9585
The Aga Khan Maternal and Child Care Centre (AKMCCC), Hyderabad	+92 22 430 0777 - 8301
Aga Khan Hospital for Women Garden	+92 21 3616 7400 - 7500
The Aga Khan Hospital for Women Karimabad	+92 21 3616 7600
The Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children, Kharadar	+92 21 3616 7800
Main Hospital New Private Wing Main Reception	+92 21 3486 8040 +92 21 3486 8041
Main Hospital New Private Wing Patient Admission and Billing Office	+92 21 3486 8026 +92 21 3486 8027
Main Hospital New Private Wing Concierge Services	+92 21 3486 8025
Patient Referral Services (9 am to 11 pm)	+92 21 3486 3100

​Smallpox​​