Polio
Polio is a severe infection that was widespread in the 80s but now, it’s a very rare condition due to vaccination programs. The disease exists only in very few countries, and the chances of developing one in India are very unlikely.
Polio in India
India doesn’t have any polio cases since January 2011, and there is no evidence of the condition circulating in the community. Thanks to OPV (oral polio vaccine), India is now “Polio-Free,” and displayed as a success story of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, launched in 1988 by the World Health Assembly.
But still, India faces the threat of importation of polio virus from countries that are reporting cases.
Polio symptoms
- Mild-flu
- High temperature
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Sickness and Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Muscle pain
The symptoms last for up to ten days. Rarely polio leads to severe symptoms that affect nerves and the brain, which weakens muscles (paralysis). If the paralysis impacts the breathing muscles, it can be life-threatening.
Mostly, people will recover within a few weeks, but some can face permanent disability.
Polio complications
The condition can cause lifelong or long-term disabilities and difficulties. For some people, it leads to paralyzing, while others have problems that need lifelong or long-term support and treatment.
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pains or problems
- Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
The chances are more likely to develop the symptoms again if you have already had the condition, sometimes even a decade later, which is a post-polio syndrome.
Polio treatments
There is no particular treatment for polio, but the following care reduces the risks of long-term problems.
- Hospital bed rest
- Painkillers
- Help with breathing
- Regular exercises and stretches to prevent muscle and joint issues
The doctor will prescribe specialist help like physiotherapy or surgery if you have long-term problems.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022