For many people in our country, the word "polio" may sound like a strange disease. The reason for this is that, thanks to successful vaccination programs in our country, this disease has been controlled to the point where it is almost unheard of. However, this is not a disease that we should completely forget about. Polio is a very serious, incurable, and potentially fatal viral infection that can even lead to permanent paralysis. So, it is very important to be fully aware of this.
Simply put, what is polio?
Polio, or in medical terms ``Poliomyelitis``, is an infectious disease caused by a virus called ``Poliovirus.`` This virus mainly infects our throat and intestines.
Most of the time, the disease causes no symptoms, or only mild symptoms like a common cold. However, in the worst case scenario, the virus can spread to our brain and spinal cord (the nerve cord inside the spine). If that happens, the muscles that help us breathe, speak, swallow, and move our limbs can become paralyzed and even die .
Although polio has not been completely eradicated from the world, vaccinations have helped eradicate it in many countries. It was thanks to the power of vaccines that we were able to control this terrible disease that paralyzed and killed thousands of people about 70 years ago. But we must remember that if polio is present anywhere in the world, if people stop getting vaccinated, it is more likely to spread again.
What are the symptoms of polio?
Polio can range from mild to very severe. As we mentioned earlier, the majority of people infected with polio have no symptoms. Some people get sick with the flu and recover quickly. However, some people can develop serious problems with their nervous system.
To make it easier to understand, let's look at these symptoms this way.
| Symptom category | Commonly seen symptoms |
|---|---|
| Common flu-like symptoms | Fever, body aches, sore throat, headache. |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps. |
| Symptoms of brain and spinal cord swelling | Severe headache, sensitivity to light or touch, neck stiffness. |
| Serious effects on the nervous system | Pain or numbness in the arms and legs (paresthesia) , muscle twitching, muscle weakness, or paralysis (this condition can affect movement, breathing, swallowing, or speaking). |
How is polio transmitted?
The polio virus spreads very easily from person to person. It is mainly spread through contact with the feces of an infected person. It can also be spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Simply put, you can get polio in these ways:
- Not washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet or touching feces.
- Drinking or swallowing dirty water.
- Swimming in contaminated water (including swimming pools) where the virus is present.
- Eating food washed in dirty water or touched with dirty hands.
- Touching a surface (e.g. doorknobs, toys) that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose with that same hand.
- Close contact with a person infected with polio, even if they are not showing symptoms.
Therefore, cleanliness, especially good handwashing, is very important to protect against diseases like polio.
Who is most at risk?
Although anyone can get polio, some people are at higher risk.
- Young children who are not fully vaccinated are at greatest risk.
- Young children and adults who were not vaccinated as children can also develop this disease.
- If you live in or travel to countries where polio is still prevalent, you are also at risk.
Complications that can occur due to polio
Most people recover from polio without any long-term problems. However, in some cases, the virus can cause serious complications. These effects can appear years later.
- Paralysis: Paralysis of the arms, legs, or breathing muscles.
- Swelling of the brain (Encephalitis) or swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (Meningitis).
- Post-polio syndrome: New muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue that occurs many years after the disease has healed.
- Death: Death can often occur due to the failure of the muscles that help with breathing.
How does a doctor diagnose polio?
A doctor can diagnose polio by examining your symptoms and testing your body fluids. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have recently traveled.
The following tests can be done to check for the presence of the polio virus:
- A throat swab sample
- A stool sample
- Blood test
- Examination of fluid taken from the spinal cord (Lumbar puncture)
Because the symptoms of polio are very similar to those of the common flu, your doctor may also test for other illnesses.
Is there a cure for polio?
This is the most important thing we all need to know. There is no specific cure or treatment for polio yet. There is no medicine that can cure the disease quickly.
The only thing that can be done is to provide supportive treatment that relieves the symptoms.
- Physical therapy can help with weakened or paralyzed muscles.
- If you have difficulty breathing, you may need to be connected to a machine that helps you breathe (ventilator).
Since this disease cannot be cured, you probably now understand how important it is to prevent the disease before it develops.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have had close contact with a polio patient and are now feeling unwell, or if you have any questions about the polio vaccine, see your doctor immediately.
In particular, if you experience difficulty breathing, severe headache, or sudden muscle weakness , go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
What can you do to get relief at home?
In addition to your doctor's advice, you can find relief at home with these things:
- Drink plenty of fluids like water and soup.
- Apply warm compresses to relieve muscle pain.
- Take painkillers (but do not give any painkillers to a child without consulting a doctor ).
- Follow your doctor's advice about physical therapy and exercise.
- Rest well.
The best solution: prevention!
The best, most effective, and only way to reduce the risk of polio is to get the polio vaccine . This vaccine is usually given at a young age. It is mandatory for your child to receive this vaccine on time according to our country's national vaccination schedule.
If you are unsure whether or not you were vaccinated as a child, you can talk to your doctor about it and get advice.
In addition, you can also reduce your risk by:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often, especially after using the toilet and changing your child's diaper.
- If clean water is not available, drink bottled water and use it for cooking.
Polio may be a rare disease today, but it is not completely eradicated from the world. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your children. So, if you are unsure whether you and everyone in your family are up to date with your vaccines, talk to your doctor today.
Take-Home Message
- Polio is a severe, incurable, and permanently paralysing viral disease.
- This is mainly due to dirt, especially feces, which is very easily transmitted.
- There is no specific cure for polio, only supportive treatments are provided to relieve symptoms.
- The best and most powerful way to protect yourself from this disease is to get the polio vaccine.
- Make sure your child's vaccinations are up to date according to the national vaccination schedule. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න