Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a serious disease caused by a virus that mainly affects children under 5 years old. At one time, it caused widespread illness and disability around the world. 

Thanks to vaccines, polio has been reduced greatly, but in some countries, it still exists. It is important for everyone to understand what polio is and how to protect against it.

What Causes Polio?

Polio is caused by a virus called the poliovirus. This virus attacks the nervous system and, in severe cases, can cause weakness or even permanent paralysis.

How Does Polio Spread?

Polio spreads from person to person, usually through contact with infected stool (poop), such as through contaminated water or unwashed hands. It can also spread through coughing or sneezing, though this is less common. In areas with poor sanitation, the risk of spreading polio is much higher.

Classification of Polio

Polio can be classified based on :

1. Virus stereotype

2. Clinical presentation 

Virus stereotype 

Type 1 (WPV1): Most common and most likely to cause outbreaks and paralysis.

Type 2 (WPV2): Eradicated globally in 2015; used to cause paralysis more often than type 3.

Type 3 (WPV3): Declared eradicated in 2019; less transmissible and less virulent than type 1.

Clinical presentation 

We have: 

Silent polio: Most people who catch the virus don’t feel sick at all.

Mild polio: Some people may feel like they have the flu, with fever, sore throat, or stomach upset. Recovery occurs in a few days and there is no neurological involvement .

Non-paralytic Polio: It is more severe than mild polio.

Symptoms include neck stiffness, back pain, and signs of meningeal irritation.There is no paralysis, but CNS (central nervous system) is involved.

Paralytic polio: This rare form affects the muscles, making it hard to move arms or legs. In some cases, it can lead to permanent disability or breathing problems.

Signs and Symptoms

People with polio may experience:

Fever

Fatigue (feeling very tired)

Headache

Sore throat

Stomach pain or vomiting

Stiff neck or back

Severe Symptoms:

1. Muscle weakness

2. Paralysis

3. Respiratory failure

Is There a Cure for Polio?

There is no cure for polio. Doctors can help manage the symptoms and make the person more comfortable, but the damage caused by the virus can’t be reversed. This is why prevention is so important.

How Can We Prevent Polio?

The best way to protect yourself and your children from polio is through vaccination. There are two safe and effective polio vaccines:

--Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – A few drops given by mouth.

--Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) – This is given as an injection.

Children usually receive several doses of the vaccine as part of their routine immunizations. Vaccination not only protects the individual but also helps stop the virus from spreading in the community.

Other ways to prevent polio include:

1. Washing hands regularly with soap.

2. Using clean and safe drinking water.

3. Properly disposing of human waste.

4. Supporting public health campaigns in your area.

Conclusion

Polio is a dangerous disease, but it can be prevented. Thanks to vaccines, we are close to wiping polio out completely. By making sure every child gets vaccinated, we can protect future generations from this terrible illness. Stay informed, stay clean, and stay vaccinated.