DEFINITION:
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a viral disease that spreads through person-to-person contact, primarily via the fecal-oral route. It can cause flu-like symptoms, but in about 1 in 200 cases, the poliovirus invades the nervous system, leading to irreversible paralysis. There is no specific cure for polio; treatment focuses on supportive measures like pain relief, physical therapy, and rest to manage symptoms and complications, and vaccination is the best way to prevent it.
Causes
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Polio is caused by the Poliovirus, a highly contagious virus that thrives in the gastrointestinal tract.
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The virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route (contaminated hands, food, or water) or, less commonly, via respiratory droplets from an infected person’s throat.
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The virus enters the body and multiplies in the intestine before potentially spreading to the nervous system.
Symptoms
Most people with polio show no symptoms or have mild, flu-like symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Stiffness in the neck
- Muscle or limb pain
In rare, severe cases (about 1 in 200 infections), the virus can cause paralytic polio, characterized by:
- Loss of reflexes
- Severe muscle weakness or pain
- “Floppy” limbs
- Permanent paralysis, often in the legs
- Breathing or swallowing problems
Treatment
There is no cure for polio; treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
- Supportive Care: This includes bed rest, a healthy diet, and pain relievers to manage discomfort.
- Physical & Occupational Therapy: To help with muscle weakness and maintain flexibility, requiring exercises, splinting, and correct positioning.
- Pain Management: Hot packs or heating pads can be used for muscle pain.
- Respiratory Support: In severe cases where breathing muscles are affected, ventilation might be necessary.
- Prevention: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio.