[dandelion]

This is the only credible reference I have seen in regards to a possible treatment for smallpox. Cidofovir has some undesireable side effects, most notably kidney damage; but considering the horrors of smallpox, I would certainly take the risk were I infected.

Bottom line: Cidofovir is available, and appears to be an effective (if not absolute) treatment for smallpox. BUT ACCORDING TO THE NYC DEPT OF HEALTH website it will NOT BE OFFERED due to the fact it is in vitro - experimental. If threatened by smallpox, we should be offered the option to access it for treatment. We need to start asking questions NOW if we want to be able to access this possibly life-saving treatment...

[dandelion]

Well, well, well - pretty please, would you lovely fellas give this a bump in the night? I think it might be bump worthy, especially considering that we are being told there is no treatment for smallpox...

[piasa]

We shouldn't be concerned about TREATING it when we can PREVENT it altogether with vaccination. Since no one has it, vaccination is the issue. And we have the ability to prepare vaccines and get those started... first with people who have never been vaccinated and with the very old, as they will be the most vulnerable.

[Jim Noble]

I have used a fair amount of cidofovir to treat CMV.

It is very difficult to use-it is IV (intravenous) only, and causes major side effects, including kidney failure severe enough to require discontinuation, in over 50% of those treated.

The IV infusion itself is difficult and prolonged.

I am interested in the reference to ribavirin, which is used to treat Hepatitis C and is now available in large quaantities both here and overseas.

[lavaroise]

We need to start asking questions NOW if we want to be able to access this possibly life-saving treatment...

One thing I do not get about things like Small Pox or AIDS is that liberals who have been acting like victims because of AIDS have supported the same government that restricts the much needed widespread individual entrepreneurialism for the sake of finding cures. I am sorry, but gay people are dead wrong to be anti-conservatives simply because being conservative is an advocacy of opposit sex marriage unions.

[Dixielander]

A Good Morning bump.

[Elenya]

I was thinking: I read somewhere that milking cows with cowpox gives you a very mild form of the disease and gives you immunity from smallpox.

If it's true, shouldn't we organize a "PET THE COWPOXED COW" day for children? I'm asking FR doctors here. Would it be possible to do it in case of a national emergency? and no, I'm NOT kidding.

[CathyRyan]

Bump

[Dixielander]

Mid evening bump for dandelion.

[nomad]

Wasn`t the first vaccination for smallpox done with the much less dangerous Cowpox? I believe the doctor `s name was Jenner, late 1700`s-early 1800`s (it was based on his obsevations of milkmaids, do a web search) Why not use Cowpox again? It was safe enough 150 years ago!