Polio, Types, Symptoms, Causes and Vaccine

 

Polio:

The extremely contagious illness polio (also known as poliomyelitis) is brought on by a virus that targets the neurological system. The virus is more likely to infect children under the age of five than any other group.

What is Polio:

Polio is a disease caused by poliovirus It’s been eliminated in the United States because of widespread vaccination, but some areas of the world still have cases. Everyone must get a series of shots to protect against polio. The disease can cause paralysis or even death. It can also lead to post-polio syndrome many years later

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 200 cases of polio will result in lifelong paralysis. But because of the worldwide eradication program launched in 1988, the following areas have been deemed polio-free:

• Americas
• Europe
• Western Pacific
• Southeast Asia

In 1957, the polio vaccine became widely available after being created in 1953. Since that time, the number of polio cases in the US has decreased.

However, polio persists in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The world will gain from polio's eradication in terms of economy and health. Over the next 20 years, eliminating polio might save at least $40–50 billion.

What polio symptoms are present?

95 to 99 percent of those who catch the poliovirus are thought to be asymptomatic. Subclinical polio is what this condition is. People with the poliovirus can still infect others and transmit it even if they don't show any symptoms

What are the types of polio?

Polio can affect your body differently depending on where the virus multiplies and attacks. Types of polio include:

1-Abortive poliomyelitis :

causes flu-like and intestinal symptoms. It only lasts a few days and doesn’t cause long-lasting issues.

2-Non-paralytic poliomyelitis :

may cause aseptic meningitis, a swelling of the area around your brain. It causes more symptoms than abortive poliomyelitis and may require you to stay in the hospital.

3-Paralytic poliomyelitis:

 Paralytic poliomyelitis happens when poliovirus attacks your brain and spinal cord. It can paralyze the muscles that allow you to breathe, speak, swallow, and move your limbs. Depending on what parts of your body are affected, it’s called spinal polio or bulbar polio. Spinal and bulbar polio can appear together (bulbospinal polio). Less than 1% of people with polio get paralytic poliomyelitis.

4-polioencephalitis:

An uncommon form of polio that primarily affects newborns is polioencephalitis. The brain swells as a result.

5-post-polio syndrome:

When polio symptoms reappear years after an initial infection, it is known as post-polio syndrome.

Symptoms Nonparalytic polio:

Non-paralytic polio symptoms and signs can last for one to ten days. These flu-like symptoms and indications might include:

• Flu and a sore throat
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Meningitis

Abortive polio is another name for non-paralytic polio.

Symptoms of Polio with paralysis:

Paralytic polio can occur in around 1% of cases of polio. Paralytic polio causes paralysis of the brainstem, spinal cord, or both (spinal polio) (bulbospinal polio).

Non-paralytic polio shares many of the same initial symptoms. But after a week, the symptoms will get worse. These signs consist of:

• Reduced reflexes
• Severe muscle aches and spasms
• Limbs that are often just on one side of the body and are loose and floppy
• Abrupt paralysis, whether permanent or temporary
• Limbs with abnormalities, particularly the hips, ankles, and feet

Complete paralysis rarely occurs. Less than 1% of all polio cases Trusted Source will result in long-term disability. In 5–10 percent of the polio paralysis cases, the virus will attack the muscles that help you breathe and cause death.

Symptoms of abortive poliomyelitis:

• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Head ac
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Symptoms of polioencephalitis:

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
• Anxiety.
• Trouble focusing.
• Seizures.

Poliomyelitis syndrome:

Even after you have recovered, polio could come back. After 15 to 40 years, this can happen. The following are typical signs of post-polio syndrome (PPS):

• Continuing muscle and joint weakness and muscle pain that gets worse becoming easily exhausted or fatigued
• Muscle atrophy, also known as muscle wasting
• Trouble breathing and swallowing
• Sleep apnea, or sleep-related breathing problems
• Low tolerance of cold temperatures
• New onset of weakness in previously uninvolved muscles
• Depression
• Trouble with concentration and memory

How does the poliovirus spread to a human being?

Polio is a virus that spreads by contact with contaminated feces and is very contagious. The virus can also be spread by items like toys that have come into contact with contaminated feces. Because the virus dwells in the throat and intestines, it can occasionally spread through sneezing or coughing. This is not as often.

People who don't have regular access to running water or toilets are more likely to get polio from drinking water tainted with human waste. The virus is so contagious, according to the Mayo Clinic, that anyone who lives with someone who has it can also get it.

The poliovirus is especially dangerous to pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, such as those who are HIV-positive, and small children.

You run a higher chance of getting polio if you haven't received the vaccine when you:

• Visit a region where polio recently broke out
• Take care of or reside with a polio patient.
• Handle a viral specimen from a lab
• Eliminate your tonsils
• Have a stressful or demanding lifestyle after being exposed to the virus.

How is polio identified by doctors?

By examining your symptoms, your doctor can determine if you have polio. A physical examination will be conducted, during which they'll search for things like slow reflexes, neck and back stiffness, or trouble elevating your head while lying flat.

Additionally, laboratories will check for the poliovirus in a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid, stool, or throat.

How is polio treated by doctors?

Only the symptoms can be managed by medical professionals while the illness progresses. The best strategy to treat polio, however, is to prevent it with immunizations since there is no cure.

The most typical forms of support include:

• Bed rest, painkillers, and muscle-relaxing medications
• Antibiotics to treat urethral infections
• Portable breathing assistance devices
• Physical therapy or walking aids such as braces
• To relieve muscle pain and spasms, use heated cloths or heating pads.
• Physical therapy is used to treat the aching muscles.
• Physical therapy for pulmonary and respiratory issues
• Lung fitness training to improve lung endurance

If your leg weakness is severe, you could need a wheelchair or another type of mobility aid.

Ways to stop polio:

Getting immunization is the greatest method to avoid polio. According to the immunization schedule provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children should receive polio doses (CDC).

Schedule for CDC vaccinations

Age

2 month  a dose

4 month a dose

one year a dose

6–18 months a dose

Booster dose: 4 to 6 years

Prices of the polio vaccination for children

Graphiq | HealthGrove

Rarely, these injections might result in mild to severe allergic responses, including

• Breathing difficulties
• Acute fever
• Dizziness
• Hives
• Throat swelling
• Quick heartbeat

In the US, adults don't have a very high chance of getting polio. When visiting a region where polio is still prevalent, there is the biggest risk. Before you go, be sure to take many pictures.

vaccines against polio worldwide

Polio cases have decreased by 99% overall. In 2015, just 74 cases were documented.

From the polio era to the present

The highly contagious virus known as polio can paralyse the spinal cord and brainstem. Children under the age of five are most frequently affected. With 57,623 documented cases, polio cases reached their highest level in the United States in 1952. Since the passing of the Polio Vaccination Assistance Act in 1982, polio has not existed in the United States.

The virus is still present in nations that haven't started immunization efforts, even though many other nations have received the same certification. Children in all nations are at risk because of even one confirmed incidence of polio, according to WHO.

The polio vaccine: what is it?

Poliomyelitis, another name for polio, is a devastating disorder brought on by the poliovirus. It can impair your brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis, and it spreads from person to person. Polio has no known treatment, although the polio vaccine can prevent it.

In the United States, polio has been eradicated since the polio vaccine was developed in 1955. However, it's still around and might be reintroduced to the US in other parts of the world. For this reason, medical professionals continue to advise that all kids get the polio vaccine.

Inactivated and oral poliovirus vaccines are both available. In the US, only the inactivated poliovirus vaccination is routinely administered.

Although the vaccination has nearly eradicated polio in many nations, there are some potential side effects. Find out more about them by reading on.

Minor negative effects:

With the polio vaccine, adverse reactions are extremely rare. They typically only last a few days and are extremely mild. The most typical side effects are as follows:

discomfort close to the injection site

redness near the injection site

minimal fever

Rarely, do some patients report shoulder discomfort that is more intense and lasts longer than the typical soreness reported near the injection site.

Detrimental effects:

An allergic reaction, though extremely uncommon, is the most common major adverse effect linked to the polio vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in a million doses of a trusted source can result in an adverse reaction. These reactions typically occur shortly after having the immunization, sometimes even right away.

An allergic response can cause these symptoms

• Hives
• Itching
• Reddened skin
• Paleness
• Reduced blood pressure
• Throat or tongue swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Weak or erratic pulse
• Swelling of the lips or face
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Skin that is blue and fainting

Seek immediate medical attention if you or anyone else exhibits any of the signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Who needs to receive the polio vaccine?

Children

Vaccinations are typically given to children. All children should have the polio vaccine, unless they have a known allergy to it, according to medical advice. The recommended age ranges for dosing vary, but they often are:

24 weeks

one year

6–18 months

4-6 years old

Adults

In the US, adults only require polio vaccinations if they do not receive some or all of the necessary doses of the disease as children and meet certain risk criteria. Getting the shot as an adult may be advised by your doctor if you: visit countries where polio is more common

job in a lab where handling poliovirus is a possibility

working in healthcare with patients who might be polio carriers

Depending on how many doses you've already gotten, you may require one to three doses of the vaccination if you need it as an adult.

Should someone refuse the vaccination?

Only those with a history of life-threatening allergic reactions to the vaccine should refrain from receiving it. Vaccine avoidance is also advised if you have an allergy to

• Neomycin
• B polymyxin
• Streptomycin

If you have a mild or serious sickness, you should also postpone getting the polio vaccine. If you only have a minor illness, like a cold, you're alright. Your doctor may suggest you wait a while before having the vaccine, though, if you have a fever or a more serious sickness.

The conclusion:

Polio, which can be fatal, can only be avoided with the polio vaccine.

The vaccine typically has no negative side effects. When they do, they're usually very gentle. You may, however, extremely rarely experience an adverse reaction to the immunization.

Consult your doctor about your alternatives if you or your child hasn't had the appropriate vaccinations. They can suggest the ideal dose regimen based on your requirements and general health.