Polio

Polio is now a very rare condition due to the concerted vaccination effort in the world. It is also known as poliomyelitis and is caused by a highly infectious virus. For most people, it is a mild illness only causing flu like symptom. However, it can be a potentially fatal condition that can cause severe muscle paralysis.

Causes of Polio

A virus known as enterovirus causes polio. It is a type of virus that grows and thrives in the gastrointestinal tract. After growing in the gastrointestinal tract, it will then move on to affect the nervous system.

Enterovirus is normally transmitted when someone has oral contact with infected stool. This usually involves drinking water, which has been contaminated with infected stool. In very rare cases, it can be transmitted through direct contact with someone who is infected. This is because the virus may be present in the saliva of an infected person.

The polio virus enters the body and begins to multiply in your throat and intestines. It then travels to the central nervous system through the blood. If it damages the nerve cells, this is what causes paralytic polio.

Symptoms of Polio

In 99% of the cases, polio is mild and only produces flu like symptoms. Some people may never even notice any symptoms.

In the case of paralytic polio, the symptoms can be more serious. They include:

• Constipation,
• Back and neck stiffness,
• Headache, and
• Increased sensitivity to touch

It can cause paralysis of the muscles because it damages nerve cells in your body. The limbs may appear loose and floppy. Paralytic polio can also affect your:

• Breathing,
• Ability to see and hear,
• Ability to smell, taste, and swallow, and
• Heart and intestines

Treatment of Polio

There is no cure for polio. The treatment is focused on easing pain and discomfort, speeding recovery, and preventing complications. People with polio are advised to have strict bed rest for a few days. Painkillers and laxatives are used to ease pain and constipation.

Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are used to try and recover from damaged or paralyzed muscles. Occupational therapy would provide practical support to make everyday tasks and activities. The idea is to get you to live as independently as possible.

Prevention of Polio

The best prevention against polio is the polio vaccine. It has been so effective that polio has been naturally eradicated in most countries in the world.

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