World Polio Day Understanding Polio

About Polio

Polio or poliomyelitis is a viral infection that is very contagious. It is caused by a wild poliovirus and can be a mild to severe infection, followed by paralysis in some parts of the body. The virus enters the body through the mouth, multiplies in the intestines, and destroys the motor neuron cells, which control the. muscles for swallowing, circulation, and breathing, as well as the arms, legs, and body.

Polio usually affects children between the ages group of 5-7 years. Its symptoms include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Pain or stiffness in the neck,
• Headache
• Fatigue
• back, arms or legs
• Sore throat
• Muscle weakness

These symptoms last up to 10 days after the infection occurs. Some of the severe symptoms can ac meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord) and paralysis of legs or arms, but the infection can spread widely even before paralysis manifests itself.

Some high-risk factors for paralysis due to polio are:

• Poor immunity

• Pregnancy

• Surgical removal of tonsils

• Intramuscular injections

• Injury

Polio can only be eradicated if vaccination is given to each and every child living in urban, rural, or the remotest parts of the world. The polio vaccine tricks the body’s immune system into producing antibodies even though there is no disease as yet. India is a shining example of how government initiatives have led to the virtual eradication of polio. In just one phase of national immunization, 640,000 vaccination booths were set up with 2.3 million vaccinators and 200 million vaccines; 191 million homes were visited and 172 million children vaccinated.

On World Polio Day, let us spread awareness and help keep our nation polio-free.