Polio or poliomyelitis is a disease caused by the polio virus and is contagious. The majority of people infected only experience mild symptoms, or even no symptoms at all. However, unfortunately, some of them develop more severe symptoms that can lead to permanent paralysis or death.

There are three common types of polio virus, also known as wild poliovirus (WPV), namely type 1, type 2, and type 3. Anyone who does not receive polio immunization (children as well as adults) will be at risk of infection from this virus, making it highly contagious, especially in the following groups:

• Toddlers

• Pregnant women

• Individuals with weakened immune systems

• Living or traveling to areas with poor sanitation (limited flowing water or flush toilets)

• Living or traveling to areas with polio outbreaks

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus

Symptoms

Although there are people who do not experience any symptoms at all, the polio virus can still pass from one person to another and cause infection in that person. Polio can affect the body differently depending on where the virus multiplies and invades. Therefore, it is divided into several types, as follows:

1. Abortive poliomyelitis (failed poliomyelitis)

It has symptoms similar to the flu, such as fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting and fatigue.

2. Non-paralytic polio

Having symptoms initially resembling those of abortive poliomyelitis, then accompanied by additional symptoms such as stiff neck, tingling in the arms or legs, severe headache, and extreme sensitivity to light.

3. Paralytic polio

Having more serious symptoms that affect the spinal cord (unable to move arms or legs or both, resulting in paralysis), brainstem (difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking), or both (a combination of both symptoms). Additionally, one may also suffer from meningitis (infection of the spinal cord and/or brain) and disability of limbs (hips, ankles, or feet).

4. Post-polio syndromeis

The emergence of polio symptoms after years of polio infection, resulting in symptoms such as persistent muscle and joint weakness, worsening muscle pain, easy fatigue or tiredness, muscle atrophy, difficulty breathing and swallowing, sleep apnea, intolerance to cold temperatures, depression, and issues with concentration and memory.

Polio often causes only mild symptoms, but can also lead to paralysis or disability

Transmission

The polio virus is contagious and spreads through contact from one person to another via the mouth. It resides in the throat and intestines of infected individuals for weeks. The virus can contaminate food and water in areas with poor sanitation. Some modes of transmission include:

• Contact with human feces of infected individuals

• Contact with particles from sneezing or coughing of infected individuals

• Ingesting objects or water contaminated with feces

• Touching contaminated surfaces

• Not washing hands after using the bathroom or touching human feces, such as changing a baby's diaper.

Diagnosis

To obtain a polio diagnosis, an individual must undergo a physical examination, detailed assessment of medical history (including vaccination history, recent travel), testing of bodily fluid samples (saliva, stool, blood, cerebrospinal fluid), and assessment of experienced symptoms. An MRI examination to visualize the spinal cord may also be necessary.

Treatment

There is no specific medication to treat polio, and there is no specific treatment for it either, but there are several ways to manage it. For example, physical therapy if it causes paralysis, weakness in the arms or legs, or getting mechanical ventilation assistance if there is weakness in the respiratory muscles. Additionally, some strategies that can also be done to alleviate symptoms are:

• Sufficient rest

• Consumption of pain relievers

• Warm water compress to relieve spasms

Prevention

The only way to prevent polio is by getting vaccinated. Typically, immunization starts in childhood, where the vaccine is over 99% likely to protect the body from polio. As of January 15, 2024, the Polio Immunization Week (PIW) began with a target coverage of 95% for children aged 0 to 7 years old.

So, polio disease is caused by the polio virus. This disease often only causes mild symptoms such as flu, but it can also lead to paralysis, disability, and even death in more serious cases. Prevention can only be done by getting vaccinated, which is usually obtained during infancy. So, for new mothers, let's not forget to routinely immunize your little one!

Hey, grab the Fitie app now for cool tips and other fun stuff!