What is polio ?

Polio is a viral disease  that can cause paralysis in it’s most severe form. This infectious disease  can also make breathing difficult and ultimately result in death. Poliomyelitis is not common in the united states. However in developing countries, this disease continues to affect people. There is no cure for polio.

What causes polio ?

The polio virus  enters the environment through an infected person’s feces. You can get it by eating contaminated fecal matter. The virus enters the mouth and nose, enters the intestinal tract where  it’s absorbed through the blood and lymphatic system. You can also get by ingesting contaminated food or water or through direct contact with an infected individual.

What signs may indicate that I have polio ?

A large percentage of people infected with this virus usually asymptomatic. The severe form of this infection however may present symptoms . Symptoms however depends on the type you have.

Nonparalytic polio

This is usually asymptomatic but if symptoms show they include :

 
• sore throat
• fever
• headache
• fatigue
• diarrhea
• neck and back pain or stiffness
• muscle spasms
• meningitis
• skin rash and lesion

 
Paralytic polio
 
This type is very severe and results in paralysis. Symptoms include

 
• severe muscle aches and pain
• breathing problems
• constipation
• loss of reflexes
• drooling
• difficulty swallowing
• stiff neck and back
• muscle contraction
• floppy limbs
• muscle contraction
• difficulty urinating
• sensitive to touch

How to do I care for a polio patient ?

There is no cure for poliomyelitis but you can take these steps to make patient comfortable.

Get enough rest.

Give  painkillers to reduce headache, muscle pain and spasms

Apply moist heat to reduce muscle spasm.

Patient may be given antibiotics to treat secondary infections.

If patient is having difficulty breathing , he may be given a ventilator to help with breathing.

How dangerous is polio ?

Poliomyelitis can present complications such as

 
• kidney stones
• pneumonia
• urinary tract infections
• shock
• lung problems
•  high blood pressure
• lack of movement
• permanent paralysis

How can polio be prevented ?

The most effective way to prevent the disease is through the polio vaccine which is given in four doses.

 
• At 2 months
• At 4 months
• Between 6 and 18 months
• Between 4 and 6 years old

 
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