Polioviruses are viruses that can paralyze or weaken muscles throughout your body, including those in the lungs. Polio has been virtually eradicated worldwide thanks to vaccinations. But we still need to do our part to fully eradicate the disease.
Symptoms
Poliovirus attacks nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain stem that control muscle movement, leading to paralysis and death.
Polio’s primary symptom is paralysis, which makes it difficult to move your legs and arms. These effects usually last 2 to 5 days before they resolve on their own.
Before becoming sick, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms and speak to your doctor about getting treatment. Your physician can test for poliovirus by looking at throat secretions, stool samples or cerebrospinal fluid.
Polio can present with various symptoms, depending on the type and length of time that it has been active. The initial sign may be flu-like or mild fever; however, other signs and symptoms may include headache, vomiting, nausea or stiffness in your neck, trunk, arm and leg.
If you have a fever, it is best to stay home from school or work and avoid contact with other people. Additionally, eating nutritious food, drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise are all beneficial.
Children under five are particularly at risk for contracting polio, though anyone is susceptible.
Infection can spread from person to person primarily through direct contact with an infected person’s stool (feces). It may also spread via sneezes and cough droplets when in close physical proximity (i.e., caring for them, sharing food or utensils).
Once infected with polio, symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to paralysis and death. The virus remains active in your body for weeks or months after becoming infected.
Vaccinations have greatly reduced the number of cases of polio in Pakistan and other countries. Nonetheless, polio can still occur in areas with low vaccination rates.
Many countries have declared their commitment to polio eradication. Estimates suggest that this initiative could save at least $40-50 billion over the next two decades.
Polio Diagnosis
Polio occurs when an enterovirus (poliovirus) injures nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to breathing difficulties as well as paralysis. While most symptoms of polio are mild or resolve quickly, paralysis is the most serious consequence which could ultimately lead to death.
The virus spreads from one infected person to another when the infected individual coughs, sneezes or shares food and drinks with those who aren’t immune. It may also spread via sewage water.
Poliovirus can multiply in both throat and feces once present in the body, with some studies finding it can remain active up to six weeks after someone is no longer sick. As a result, it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids and be cautious when swallowing anything that comes into your mouth.
If a healthcare provider suspects you may have polio, they will test your throat secretions or stool for the virus. They may also perform a test called a spinal tap – this involves inserting an extended needle into your spine to draw out some of the spinal fluid.
If a doctor suspects you of having polio, they will run these tests and assess your other symptoms. If they believe you have it, they will advise taking medications and resting.
Most cases of polio will resolve on their own after a few days, though a small number of people who have it may develop paralysis in either their arms, legs, or both – this occurs in approximately 1 out of every 200 individuals who have the disease.
Two to ten percent of those with paralysis will succumb to the virus, and it can also lead to post-polio syndrome — a cluster of symptoms affecting up to 64 percent of those who have experienced polio.
Muscle pain, weakness or paralysis that develop 15-40 years after an initial infection may manifest 15-40 years later. There is no cure for this condition; however physical therapy can assist you with your weakness.
Polio can only prevent through vaccination against the poliovirus. Immunization against this illness is safe and effective, though it takes multiple doses for full protection to take hold. Vaccinating children is especially important as this could spare them from a life-threatening illness.
Polio Treatment
Polio is a disease that can have serious repercussions, especially when it affects the brain or spinal cord. Furthermore, it’s highly contagious and spreads through contact with contaminated food or water.
It’s essential to know that if you become infected with the polio virus, there are treatments available to manage your symptoms and boost your recovery chances. In mild cases, medication may give for fever reduction and pain relief; bed rest and plenty of fluids might also recommended.
Vaccination can protect you against polio, rubella and meningitis – diseases which could be life-threatening if left untreated. It’s important to get your vaccines at the appropriate age and then follow up with your healthcare provider if there are any symptoms or issues that need attention.
Over the past several years, Pakistan Polio Eradication Program and other organizations have made great strides toward eliminating polio infections. However, the virus still exists in some cities. That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) is working diligently to eliminate polio and its diseases by 2023.
Many people with polio do not experience any symptoms, but some may experience severe muscle weakness or paralysis. These conditions are extremely challenging to treat and could ultimately result in disability or death.
Most people with polio recover, though some will experience permanent paralysis that may last a lifetime – this condition is known as paralytic polio and occurs in only 1 percent of cases.
Poliomyelitis usually causes muscle weakness or paralysis in the legs and arms, as well as breathing muscle issues. It is most prevalent among children.
Polio infection that spreads to the brain or spinal cord can be very serious, potentially leading to death or long-term disability. Signs and symptoms such as muscle stiffness, weakness or paralysis in hands and feet are indicative of this type of polio.
Doctors can do a blood test to detect whether you have polio. Additionally, they will look at the fluid within your spinal cord to confirm if there is evidence of the virus.
Polio Prevention
Polio is cause by a virus that attacks the nervous system. If it spreads into the spinal cord and brain stem, it can cause paralysis or death as well as severe muscle weakness and other problems. Children are especially vulnerable to contracting polio due to their decreased immunity to fight off infection. The best way to protect yourself from developing this illness is with vaccination against polio; this vaccine offers protection against this common illness.
Most people who get polio do not experience symptoms. However, some may experience fever, headache and muscle pain for two to five days before these symptoms subside on their own.
Polio most often contracted through direct contact with an infected individual or sharing food and water with them. The virus can remain dormant in your intestines for weeks before spreading to other parts of the body.
If you plan to travel to an area prone to polio outbreaks, it recommended that you obtain a vaccination before leaving home. You can check whether your destination falls within this risk range by checking the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program website.
Polio is a relatively rare disease, but it still occurs in areas of the world where vaccination programs are ineffective. Furthermore, certain conditions can make one more vulnerable to contracting polio such as pregnancy or other medical problems.
Vaccination is the only way to protect against polio and its complications. In Pakistan, inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is available as an injection in either arm or leg and protects 99 percent of people who receive it all at once.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program recommend that infants and children receive four doses of vaccine at two, four and six months old, plus a booster shot between ages 4 to 6. Adults should have received at least three doses previously and encouraged to get another booster shot before traveling abroad or working in areas with high rates of polio infection.
Furthermore, you can help prevent polio by practicing good hygiene practices and washing your hands after being in public places. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers aren’t as effective against non-enveloped viruses like the polio virus, so always use soap and water when washing your hands.
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