Most common questions used to investigate
Do you know what Polio is?
Are you aware of the signs and symptoms of Polio?
Do you know if you're at risk for Polio?
Are you a caregiver for a person infected with Polio?
Are you aware of the treatment options for Polio?
Do you want to know if you have Polio?
Common conclusions
Polio is an infectious disease caused by viruses and its symptoms could range from paralysis to death. The truth is polio is known to have been in existence for the last 6000 years and has affected humans greatly for many centuries and not getting vaccinated at the right time, increases your chances of contracting this virus.
Many people don't show any symptoms and those who do, can be divided into two categories, namely, non-paralytic and paralytic infections. The symptoms of non-paralytic infections include fever, sore throat, headache, and muscle stiffness. Some people in this category may also get skin rashes that could resemble measles. But people of this category will not be paralyzed with these symptoms. The other category is characterized by severe muscle aches, spasms, loss of reflex, and more that could eventually lead to floppy limbs.
Polio is eradicated in most developed countries and the WHO has certified Americas, Europe, and Western pacific to be completely free from this disease. So, if you live in any of these places, you're safe. Though the other regions of the world are not declared free, you're safe if you've taken your vaccinations. Only countries that have been ravaged by war and where vaccinations were interrupted are those at high risk.
Polio is an infectious disease that is spread by human transmission. This virus lives in the throat and intestines and is spread through feces or droplets while coughing or sneezing. It also spreads by sharing food with an infected person or by sharing plates and tumblers with them. Unfortunately, people can transmit the virus even before they realize it, hence you should not come into contact with an infected person if you have not got vaccinations for Polio.
Polio has no treatment at all and the only way to avoid it is to prevent it through proactive vaccination. Even when detected early, vaccinations can help provided it is supported with good food and bed rest. The best treatment you can give is physical and mental support to those infected by polio.
The best way to know if you have polio is to check for the presence of poliovirus in your stools or cerebrospinal fluid. Some serological tests also check for the presence of antibodies against polio to know if you had it earlier. A doctor may ask you to undergo these tests if you did not get vaccinated and if you report symptoms such as muscle stiffness and difficulty with limb movements.
The good news is you have only a small chance to contract polio and soon, it will disappear from the face of the earth.
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