15655 Polio

Overview

Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is an illness caused by a virus. The virus can attack the nervous system and cause muscle weakness. In rare and severe cases, it can cause paralysis, which means being unable to move a part of the body. Thanks to vaccines, polio is now very rare in most parts of the world.

No. Polio is extremely rare today because of widespread vaccination. In the past, it caused outbreaks in many countries, but vaccination programs have almost eliminated it. It still appears in a few places, so vaccination remains important.

Polio can affect anyone who has not been vaccinated. It mostly affects young children under 5 years old, but unvaccinated older children and adults can also get it, especially if they travel to areas where the virus still exists.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms at all in about 7 out of 10 people infected
• Mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite
• Nausea, stomach pain, or muscle aches

Symptoms in children

• Fever, irritability, and crying more than usual
• Feeling very tired and not wanting to eat
• In rare cases, sudden weakness in an arm or leg

Symptoms in older adults

• More noticeable muscle pain and stiffness
• Stiff neck and back pain
• If paralysis happens, it can be more severe and recovery may take longer

Causes

Main causes

• Being infected with the polio virus
• The virus entering the body through the mouth, usually from hands, food, or water contaminated by the stool of an infected person
• The virus attacking nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain, which can affect the muscles

Risk factors

• Not being vaccinated against polio
• Having an incomplete polio vaccination schedule
• Traveling to countries where polio is still present
• Living in or visiting areas with poor sanitation or unclean water
• Being a young child in an area with a polio outbreak

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or your child has sudden weakness in an arm or leg
• If there is any trouble breathing or swallowing
• If a child has a high fever and is unusually sleepy, floppy, or confused

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a fever, headache, and stiff neck that last more than a day or two
• If you have muscle pain or weakness that does not go away
• If you are not sure whether you or your child have completed the polio vaccine schedule

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, your travel history, and whether you have been vaccinated. They will do a physical examination to check for muscle weakness, reflexes, and stiffness in the neck or back.

Tests that may be done

• A throat swab or stool (poo) sample to test for the polio virus
• Blood tests to look for antibodies (the body's response to the virus)
• A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap), where a small sample of fluid from around the spine is taken with a needle
• Nerve and muscle tests to see how well the nerves are working

What to expect at your appointment

If a doctor suspects polio, you will be taken seriously and tested quickly. You may be asked to stay in hospital for monitoring, especially if you have weakness or breathing problems. If you are seen in a clinic, you may be referred to a specialist for further tests.

Treatment

There is no medicine that can cure polio. Treatment focuses on supporting the body, easing symptoms, and preventing complications. Many people with mild polio recover at home with rest and simple care. People with more serious symptoms may need hospital treatment and rehabilitation.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as your body needs.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor about over-the-counter pain relief for fever or muscle aches.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Use warm compresses or a warm towel on sore muscles.
• Avoid strenuous activity until symptoms improve.

Medical treatments

Medical care for polio is supportive. It may include pain relief, physical therapy to keep muscles moving and strong, and help with breathing if the breathing muscles are weak. In hospital, a care team may provide exercises, comfortable positioning, and other therapies to help recovery. The exact treatment depends on each person's symptoms and needs.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for polio itself. In some long-term cases, an operation may be considered for joint or limb problems that develop because of muscle weakness. This is always discussed carefully with specialist doctors and physiotherapists.

Living with this condition

If you have had paralytic polio, you may need extra support for daily activities while you recover. Physiotherapy can help you keep as much strength and movement as possible. Some people use braces, crutches, or a wheelchair for a while. Many people regain a good amount of function with time and rehabilitation.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow any physiotherapy or exercise programme recommended by your healthcare team.
• Do not smoke, because smoking can harm your lungs and breathing, especially if your chest muscles are weak.
• Listen to your body and rest when you feel tired.
• Stay up to date with other vaccinations to protect your overall health.
• Tell your doctor about any new symptoms, such as increasing weakness or tiredness.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with enough protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support muscle recovery and energy. Gentle exercises, like stretching and moving your joints, can help keep you flexible. A physiotherapist can create a safe exercise plan that is right for your level of strength.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with the effects of polio can be emotionally difficult. It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low at times, especially if your body has changed. Talking to a mental health professional, joining a support group, and staying close to friends and family can make a big difference.

Prevention

Yes, polio can be prevented very effectively with vaccination. The polio vaccine is a routine childhood vaccine in most countries. Because of vaccination, polio cases have dropped by more than 99% worldwide.

Vaccines

There is a safe and effective vaccine for polio. It is usually given as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule, either as drops or as an injection, depending on the country. To be fully protected, it is important to have all the recommended doses. If you are unsure whether you or your child are up to date, check with your local health service or general practice.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for polio in people without symptoms. Testing is done if someone has symptoms or has been in contact with the virus. For travelers going to areas where polio still exists, checking your vaccination status before you travel is the best form of prevention.

Complications

If left untreated

• Paralysis of one or more limbs (especially in children)
• Difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening if breathing muscles are affected
• Trouble swallowing, which can lead to choking or lung infections
• Long-term muscle weakness and 'post-polio syndrome' that can appear decades later
• In very rare cases, death if the breathing muscles are paralyzed

Long-term outlook

The outlook for polio has improved greatly. Most people with mild polio recover completely. With good medical care and rehabilitation, many people with more severe polio can still live active and independent lives. And because of vaccination, polio is now a preventable disease. Global health efforts continue to work toward making polio disappear completely.

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