Let's learn more about Polio. Is your child safe from it?

You may have heard of Polio. In the past, this was a disease that many people feared. Because it could cause paralysis and sometimes even death. But now there is nothing to fear, because this disease has been largely controlled thanks to vaccines. However, it is still a problem in some countries of the world. Today, let's talk about what Polio is and how to protect yourself from it.

What is polio? Why does it occur?

Simply put, Polio is a disease caused by a virus . This virus is called `Poliovirus`. In the past, this was very common, especially in countries like America. People were very afraid, because it could cause paralysis and sometimes even death.

However, after doctors started giving polio vaccines in the 1950s, the number of people who got the disease decreased very quickly. Now it is very low in countries like America. However, polio is still a problem in some parts of Asia and Africa. We are lucky in Sri Lanka, because polio is almost non-existent in our country. The main reason for that is the successful vaccination program. However, there is still a small risk for those who have not been vaccinated properly.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

You know, most of the time, even though this `Poliovirus` enters the body, many people do not develop any symptoms of the disease . They do not even know that they have been infected with this virus.

But some people may experience mild symptoms, like a cold or flu. So they don't even think it might be polio. These are the symptoms that are usually seen:

• An upper respiratory infection (feels like a cold)
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting and nausea
• Stomach ache
• Headache
• Generally, the body feels lifeless and upset.

However, it is very rare for this virus to affect the brain and spinal cord. If it does, it can cause very serious symptoms. Let's see what they are:

1. Meningitis

What happens in this is that the poliovirus infects the protective membranes (called the meninges) that surround our brain and spinal cord. Then,

• My head hurts badly.
• The neck becomes stiff and difficult to turn.
• It is difficult to look at the light, the eyes hurt (sensitivity to light).

2. Muscle weakness or paralysis

This is the most dangerous part of polio. The virus can destroy the nerve cells that control our muscles. When that happens,

• First the muscles start to hurt, then they become weak.
• Eventually, those muscles stop working.
• When a person is unable to use their muscles, their body becomes lifeless and they cannot even move. This condition is called ` Paralysis` .
• This can be life-threatening, especially if it affects the muscles that help with breathing. Then a person cannot breathe on their own.

Is polio a contagious disease? How is it transmitted?

Yes, polio is a very contagious disease. This virus enters the body through the mouth. It then grows in the throat and intestines. It is then transmitted to others. There are two main ways of transmission: through spit and through poop.

Imagine how someone could contract this virus:

• If you come into direct contact with the feces of someone who is sick, or if you touch something that has been contaminated with feces (for example, after using the toilet without washing your hands properly).
• If someone who is sick coughs or sneezes near you, it's okay.
• If you eat food or drink that has the virus in it. This can happen if you eat from the same plate or use the same spoon as someone who is sick. It can also happen if dirty water (for example, water mixed with feces) is added to food or drink.

The virus can live in the throat of an infected person for 1-2 weeks. It can live in feces for 6 weeks or longer. The most important thing is that even someone who has no symptoms can spread the virus to others.

Is there a treatment for polio?

Sadly, there is no cure for polio yet. All that can be done is to control the symptoms.

• For those with mild, mild symptoms, they are often given plenty of fluids to drink and told to rest in bed.
• If the muscles are sore or weak, medication is given to reduce the pain. Physical therapy is also done to keep the muscles active.
• If the muscles that help you breathe are affected, you may need the help of a ``mechanical ventilator.'' This machine blows air into and out of the lungs until the person can breathe on their own.

How long will this illness last? Will there be problems even after recovery?

Typically, people with mild polio symptoms recover completely within 1-2 weeks.

However, for those with severe symptoms, they may suffer lifelong muscle weakness or paralysis. Some people may even die.

Even after recovery, another problem can arise. That is, `Post-polio syndrome`. This is something that can appear even 30-40 years after the original illness. Over time, they start to experience pain and weakness in their muscles or joints. They may also feel very tired all the time.

Can polio be prevented?

Yes! The good news is that this is a preventable disease.

The best way to protect children from this is to give them the Polio vaccine at the right time. The vaccine helps our immune system, which fights diseases, to make `antibodies` against this virus. Then, if this virus ever enters the body, those `antibodies` will fight it and protect us.

What types of vaccines are there?

There are mainly two types of vaccines being discussed.

1. Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)

• In countries like America, as well as in Sri Lanka, we use this IPV vaccine.
• This is given to babies at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
• This vaccine contains an inactivated, or killed, virus. Therefore, there is absolutely no chance of getting polio from this vaccine.

2. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

• In some other countries around the world, children are given this `OPV` vaccine. This is a liquid vaccine that is given orally.
• This is a weakened but still viable virus.
• This vaccine is cheaper than IPV, and it is easier to give to most people at once. Since it is not an injection, it does not require a trained health worker to give it.
• This weakened virus can be present in the saliva and feces of someone who has received the OPV vaccine. So, it can be transmitted to others, just like the real virus. If that happens, a person who has not received the vaccine can get this weakened virus, and their immune system can be stimulated and produce antibodies. That means, even if they do not receive the vaccine directly, they will also get immunity.
• However, very, very rarely, the OPV vaccine can cause polio. The reason for this is that it contains a weakened but still viable virus. This usually only happens if this weakened virus has been circulating in a community for a long time and has had the opportunity to become stronger, that is, to 'mutate'. This is why countries like the United States no longer use OPV.
• Doses of `OPV` given before April 2016 can be counted towards the Polio vaccination requirement in the United States. Those given after that do not count. In Sri Lanka, we are currently using the `IPV` vaccine.

What else do we need to know?

The World Health Organization is working hard to eradicate polio from the world. It has achieved many successful results. However, polio is still present in a few countries.

Also, even in countries where polio is not commonly spread, if an unvaccinated person comes into contact with someone who has been vaccinated with the OPV, he or she can get the disease. He or she can then spread the virus to others. That is why it is very important to give all the recommended doses of polio vaccine to children.

Since most of us adults in Sri Lanka have received this vaccine as children, we do not need to get another vaccine. However, some adults who are at risk of exposure to polio may be recommended to get a one-time `booster dose`. Who is at risk?

• For those traveling to an area with a high risk of polio transmission (e.g., some countries in Africa and Asia).
• For those who work in laboratories with polioviruses.
• For those who work in healthcare with patients with polio, or with people who have returned from polio-endemic areas.
• If there is a polio patient at home, or for those who are in close contact with a child who has received the OPV vaccine, or is about to receive it.

If you are traveling outside of Sri Lanka, especially to Africa or Asia, it is very important to make sure that you and your children have received all the required polio vaccines.

If you are unsure whether you received the polio vaccine as a child, or if you have any other questions about this, be sure to talk to your doctor.

So, what is the most important thing we need to remember from this?

Polio is a serious, sometimes life-threatening disease. Fortunately, it is completely preventable through vaccination.

Make sure your child gets all the polio vaccines on schedule. It's the best way to secure their future.

If you are planning to travel abroad, especially to countries where polio is a risk, seek medical advice about your and your family's vaccination status. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or midwife. Staying healthy is the most important thing!

` Polio, Poliovirus, Vaccine, Paralysis, Children's Health, Infectious Diseases