- Polio symptoms
- 1. Non-paralytic polio
- 2. Paralytic polio
- How the transmission happens
- How to prevent
- How the treatment is done
Polio, popularly known as infantile paralysis, is an infectious disease caused by poliovirus, which usually lives in the intestine, however, it can reach the bloodstream and, in some cases, affect the central nervous system, causing paralysis of the limbs, motor changes and, in some cases, can even cause death.
The virus is transmitted from one person to another, through contact with secretions, such as saliva and / or the consumption of water and food containing contaminated feces, affecting children more often, especially if there are poor hygiene conditions.
Although there are currently few reported cases of polio, it is important to vaccinate children up to 5 years of age to prevent the disease from recurring and the virus from spreading to other children. Learn more about the polio vaccine.
Polio symptoms
Most of the time, poliovirus infection does not cause symptoms, and when they do, they include varied symptoms, allowing polio to be classified as non-paralytic and paralytic according to its symptoms:
1. Non-paralytic polio
Symptoms that may appear after poliovirus infection are usually related to the non-paralytic form of the disease, which is characterized by:
- Low fever; Headache and back pain; General malaise; Vomiting and nausea; Sore throat; Muscle weakness; Pain or stiffness in arms or legs; Constipation.
2. Paralytic polio
In only a few cases can the person develop the severe and paralytic form of the disease, in which neurons in the central nervous system are destroyed, causing paralysis in one of the limbs, with loss of strength and reflexes.
In even rarer situations, if a large part of the central nervous system is compromised, it is possible to have loss of motor coordination, difficulty in swallowing, respiratory paralysis, which can even lead to death. See what are the consequences of polio.
How the transmission happens
The transmission of polio is made from one person to another, since the viruses are eliminated in the feces or in secretions, such as saliva, phlegm and mucus. Thus, the infection occurs through the consumption of food containing feces or contact with contaminated secretion droplets.
Contamination is more common in environments with poor sanitation and poor hygiene conditions, with children being the most affected, however, it is also possible that adults are affected, especially those with compromised immunity, such as the elderly and malnourished people.
How to prevent
To avoid infection with poliovirus, it is important to invest in improvements in sanitation, water decontamination and correct washing of food.
However, the main way to prevent polio is through vaccination, in which 5 doses are required, from 2 months to 5 years of age. Get to know the vaccination schedule for children aged 4 to 10 years.
How the treatment is done
Like other viruses, polio does not have a specific treatment, being oriented to rest and fluid intake, in addition to the use of drugs such as Paracetamol or Dipyrone, to relieve fever and body pain.
In the most severe cases, in which there is paralysis, treatment may also include physiotherapy sessions, in which techniques and devices, such as orthoses, are used to adjust posture and help reduce the effects of sequelae in the daily life of the child. person. Find out how polio treatment is done.
