Polio is a highly contagious disease which is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. This highly infectious disease has been eradicated in every country of the world except for Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Yes! Unfortunately, Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world with ongoing wild poliovirus transmission. The eradication effort in Pakistan is progressing but still, we need to do a lot more of it.
What is Polio?
Polio (also known as poliomyelitis) is a contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and even death in severe cases. Common patients of these diseases are children of 5 to 10 age group. This infection can spread easily from one person to another. The best option to survive with polio is to get a consultation from a general physician.
What Are The Symptoms Of Polio?
The vast majority of polio infections show no symptoms. This is the reason why people who are infected with the virus. They don’t get sick and are unaware.
Non-paralytic Polio Symptoms:
It is a type of poliomyelitis that doesn’t lead to paralysis. But it usually causes mild flu and typical symptoms like other viral diseases. Its signs and symptoms can last up to 10 days. These include:
- Fever
- A headache
- A sore throat
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Back pain or stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Arm and leg stiffness
Paralytic Polio Symptoms:
This type of polio affects only a small percentage of those people who are infected by poliovirus. It is the most severe but rare type of poliomyelitis, in which the virus enters motor neurons where it replicates and destroys the cells. Symptoms of paralytic polio often start in a similar way to non-paralytic polio but later it progress into more serious symptoms.
- Loss of reflexes
- Severe muscle aches
- Muscle spasms
- Loose or floppy limbs
What Are The Causes?
Poliovirus can be transmitted through contaminated water and food. But this is rare. However, people carrying the polio virus can spread the virus for weeks in their feces. This disease can easily be transmitted from the affected person.
Risk Factors And Complication:
Poliomyelitis mainly affects children younger than 5 years of age. However, it is a contagious disease so anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated is at risk of developing poliomyelitis. In severe cases of poliomyelitis, it can cause further complications like temporary or permanent muscle paralysis, disability, deformities, and sometimes death.
How To Prevent It?
Poliomyelitis vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease. There is no cure for poliomyelitis. Vaccination is the only cure if get infected.
Vaccination is very important for protection. Also, keep in mind that there is no cure for this disease and vaccination is the only best way to prevent it. Be a responsible parent and don’t put your children at a risk; get them poliomyelitis vaccination at early stages of their lives.
For more guidance, you can get a consultation from the best General Physicians in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and all cities of Pakistan.
