Polio Vaccination

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Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a disease caused by a virus that primarily affects the nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem.

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Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a disease caused by a virus that primarily affects the nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. In its most severe form, it can lead to paralysis and, in some cases, trouble breathing and death.

The majority of individuals infected with the poliovirus, which causes polio, do not display any symptoms. About 1 out of 4 people with the infection may experience flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, and stomach pain, which typically last 2 to 5 days and then resolve on their own.

The polio vaccine is part of our routine immunization program. However, there are certain countries that are deemed endemic, outbreak or key at risk countries for polio and if you travel to these countries you need a polio booster.

Complications

Severe polio infection can lead to breathing difficulties and even death. Long-term complications for individuals who recover may include:

Permanent paralysis
Muscle shortening leading to deformed bones or joints
Chronic pain
Post-polio syndrome, which can manifest decades after the initial infection and may involve progressive muscle or joint weakness, fatigue, muscle wasting, and breathing or swallowing problems.

Maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial to prevent the resurgence of the disease.

Polio Symptoms

About 1 out of 4 people (or 25 out of 100) with poliovirus infection will have flu-like symptoms that can include:

The symptoms of polio can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Most people infected with the poliovirus do not have any visible symptoms. However, about 1 out of 4 people with the infection may experience flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, and stomach pain, which usually last 2 to 5 days. A smaller proportion of those infected may develop more severe symptoms, including:

Paralysis or weakness in the arms, legs, or both, which can be the most severe symptom and lead to permanent disability.
Difficulty swallowing, sore throat, fever, nausea, stomach pain, or headache
Post-polio syndrome, which can occur decades after the initial polio infection and may include fatigue, decreased strength and muscle endurance, pain, sleep problems, and breathing, swallowing, or speech difficulties.

In its most severe form, polio can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours and can be life-threatening. It’s important to note that immunization is the best protection against polio, and maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.

Get Protected

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a travel health specialist to assess the specific vaccination recommendations based on the travel itinerary and individual health considerations. To ensure your protection against Polio, schedule an appointment for the vaccine at Mint Health + Drugs.

Our pharmacists can offer valuable information on required and recommended vaccinations, as well as essential tips for maintaining good health while traveling. Get in touch or book an appointment with our Travel Consultation Pharmacists.

What is polio caused by?

Polio is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which invades the nervous system and can lead to total paralysis in a short period of time. The virus mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord and brainstem, potentially causing paralysis, breathing difficulties, and, in some cases, death. It is highly contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact, as well as through contaminated water or food. The virus can easily spread if people do not practice proper hand hygiene or if water is contaminated with feces carrying the poliovirus.

Can you recover from polio?

Recovering from polio varies depending on the severity of the infection. Most people with milder symptoms make a full recovery within 1-2 weeks. However, individuals with more severe symptoms can be weak or paralyzed for life, and some may even die.

There is no cure for polio, only treatments to manage symptoms. For those who survive the acute phase of the disease, supportive treatments such as physical or occupational therapy can help with muscle weakness and paralysis caused by polio.

Is polio still around?

Yes, polio is still around, but significant progress has been made in reducing its prevalence.

What does polio do to legs?

Polio can cause various effects on the legs, depending on the severity of the infection. The virus primarily affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, particularly in the legs. This paralysis is often characterized by weakness and muscle wasting, leading to difficulties in walking and mobility. In some cases, polio can cause permanent paralysis of the legs or muscle weakness, which may emerge years after the initial infection as a condition known as post-polio syndrome.

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