Understanding Polio: A Patient's Guide

What is Polio?

Polio is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children under 5 years of age and can lead to permanent paralysis in a small percentage of cases.

Transmission

• Direct person-to-person contact
• Contaminated water or food
• Contact with infected feces
• Droplets from an infected person's sneeze or cough

Symptoms

Most Common (72 hours after infection)

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Stiffness in the neck
• Pain in the limbs

Severe Cases

• Paralysis (occurs in about 1 in 200 infections)
• Difficulty breathing
• Death (in cases where breathing muscles are affected)

Prevention

1. Vaccination

   • IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine)
   • OPV (Oral Poliovirus Vaccine)

2. Public Health Measures

   • Proper sanitation
   • Clean drinking water
   • Good personal hygiene

Treatment

While there is no cure for polio, supportive treatments include:

• Physical therapy
• Portable ventilators
• Pain management
• Nutritional support
• Antibiotics for secondary infections

Post-Polio Syndrome

Some survivors may experience:

• New muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Breathing problems

Global Eradication Efforts

Thanks to worldwide vaccination efforts:

• Cases have decreased by 99% since 1988
• The disease remains endemic in only a few countries
• Continued vaccination is crucial for complete eradication

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or your child experience:

• Sudden paralysis
• Severe muscle weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• High fever with neck stiffness