Polio: Types, Vaccination & Treatment
Polio, or poliomyelitis, affects the nerves in the spinal cord and brainstem. It can cause paralysis and breathing difficulties in severe cases. Vaccination is the only prevention for this disease, as there is no known cure.
Type 1 poliovirus still circulates in some parts of the world, although types 2 and 3 have been eliminated. The polio virus often causes no symptoms, but when it does, flu-like and digestive symptoms may occur, with paralysis being a severe symptom of paralytic polio.
Types of Polio
Polio is classified into different types based on its severity and effects on the body. While some forms cause mild symptoms, others can lead to paralysis or long-term complications.
- Abortive poliomyelitis: A mild form causing flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue without affecting the nervous system.
- Non-paralytic poliomyelitis: This leads to fever, neck stiffness, and muscle pain but does not cause paralysis.
- Paralytic poliomyelitis: The most severe type, affecting the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and permanent paralysis.
- Polioencephalitis: A rare form that primarily affects infants, causing brain inflammation, seizures, and breathing issues.
- Post-polio syndrome (PPS): A late complication occurring years after recovery, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, and joint pain.
Symptoms of Polio
Polio symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. While some forms cause mild flu-like signs, others can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, or long-term complications.
Understanding these symptoms helps in early diagnosis and management.
Abortive Poliomyelitis Symptoms
Symptoms of abortion poliomyelitis are similar to those of many other disorders. They appear three to seven days after infection and persist for a few days. Among the symptoms of abortive poliomyelitis are:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Throat ache
Non-Paralytic Poliomyelitis Symptoms
Non-paralytic poliomyelitis symptoms resemble those of abortive poliomyelitis and may include additional symptoms within days.
- Stiffness in the neck.
- You may have pain or a pins-and-needles sensation in your arms and legs.
- A severe headache has struck.
- Light sensitivity (photophobia).
Paralytic Poliomyelitis Symptoms
The symptoms of paralytic poliomyelitis are identical to those of abortive poliomyelitis or non-paralytic poliomyelitis. Additional symptoms might occur days or weeks later, such as:
- Touch sensitivity
- Spasms in the muscles
- Spinal poliomyelitis causes you to be unable to move your arms, legs, or both (paralysis).
- Bulbar poliomyelitis makes breathing, swallowing, and speaking difficult.
- The symptoms of bulbospinal poliomyelitis are similar to those of spinal polio.
Polioencephalitis Symptoms
Polioencephalitis symptoms can occur alone or in conjunction with flu-like symptoms. Among the symptoms are:
- Extreme exhaustion
- Anxiety
- The difficulty in concentrating
- Seizures
Post-Polio syndrome Symptoms
The introduction of additional indications or symptoms, or the progression of issues, is referred to as post-polio syndrome.
This typically occurs years after polio. The following are some common indications and symptoms:
- Muscle or joint weakness and discomfort that worsens over time
- Fatigue
- Muscle atrophy
- Breathing or swallowing difficulties
- Breathing problems associated with sleep, such as sleep apnea
- Cold temperature tolerance has decreased.
Causes of Polio
Polio is caused by a virus causes poliovirus. Poliovirus causes flu-like symptoms by infecting your throat and intestines, and it can then spread to your brain and spine, paralyzing you.
Polio causes infection through direct contact with contaminated food, water, or an infected person’s saliva or feces. The virus multiplies in the intestines and can enter the bloodstream, attacking nerve cells.
In severe cases, polio causes permanent muscle weakness, breathing issues, or paralysis.
How is Polio Transmitted?
Polio is transferred via coughing or sneezing or by coming into touch with an infected person’s waste (feces) (fecal-oral route). It can spread through:
- Not washing your hands after using the restroom or handling feces (like changing diapers).
- Getting contaminated water in your mouth or drinking it.
- Consuming foods that have come into contact with polluted water.
- Swimming in polluted water. When someone with diarrhea swims in water, it might get polluted.
- Sneezing or coughing.
- Being in close contact with someone who has polio.
- Contaminated surfaces should not be touched.
How is Polio Diagnosed?
Polio diagnosis involves a physical exam, testing of bodily fluids, and discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider. Inform your doctor if you’ve recently travelled. Samples of bodily fluids may be collected for testing.
- Clear your throat of saliva.
- Stool test
- Blood test
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (liquid around your brain and spinal cord).
- Because polio symptoms are similar to flu symptoms, your provider may order further testing to rule out other prevalent illnesses.
Polio Treatment
There is no specific medication for polio treatment, but supportive care helps manage symptoms. For those with paralytic polio, physical therapy can improve mobility, while mechanical ventilation may be needed for breathing difficulties. Polio treatment focuses on symptom relief through:
- Fluid consumption (such as water, juice, and broth).
- Heat packs are used to relieve muscular pains.
- Taking analgesics like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
- Doing physical treatment and any exercise prescribed by your doctor.
- Getting enough rest.
- Splints or other devices that promote healthy spinal and limb posture or alignment.
Prevention of Polio
Polio prevention is possible through vaccination, as there is no cure for the disease. The polio vaccine helps build immunity and protects against infection. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding contaminated food and water, and getting vaccinated as per the recommended schedule are essential to prevent polio.
Polio Immunisation Schedule
Pediatricians recommend four polio vaccinations for children:
- The first injection should be given to the baby at the age of two months old.
- At 4 months old, the baby should receive a second shot.
- The third shot is between the ages of 6 and 18 months.
- Booster dose between the ages of 4 and 6.
If you have never been vaccinated for polio and it is advised that you do so as an adult, you will receive three shots:
- Two doses should be taken in a gap of one to two months.
- A third dosage is six to twelve months following the first.
When to See The Doctor?
Polio symptoms are similar to those of other viral illnesses that damage the neurological system. It is critical to obtain an accurate and fast diagnosis.
If you previously had polio, consult your doctor if you experience new or severe signs or symptoms.
Care at ONUS
At ONUS Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to polio patients with compassionate care.
Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for the diagnosis of polio.
Our specialists work together to manage polio disease effectively, offering physical therapy and supportive treatments. We also provide all doses of the polio vaccine to ensure complete protection for children.
