Polio can be spread through coughing or sneezing of an infected person. It can also be caught by eating or drinking or drinking water.
In London, all children between the ages of one and nine are to be given the polio vaccine or booster, as experts have warned the virus could spread. Health experts from FROM MARS share the most common symptoms of polio and what to do if you think you have the virus.
Oleio is a disabling infectious disease caused by the polio virus. It usually affects children under the age of five and 1 in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis. In 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was launched to tackle the endemic, reducing the number of cases by 99%.
Polio can be spread through coughing or sneezing of an infected person. It can also be caught by eating or drinking or drinking water that has been in contact with the feces of someone with the virus.
What are the symptoms of polio?
About 1 in 4 people with polio will experience flu-like symptoms, such as:
headache
Vomiting
muscle pain
fatigue
high temperature
These symptoms are often said to last for three weeks.
Rarely, people with polio will experience more severe symptoms such as muscle paralysis, usually in the legs. This paralysis is often not permanent and movement will gradually return within the next weeks/months. However, if the affected muscles are used for breathing, the virus can be fatal.
From Mars’ superintendent pharmacist Navin Khosla said: “Polio is a disease that often results in zero to mild symptoms. However, in more severe cases of the virus, muscles can be affected, resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis. This can be life-threatening if the affected muscles are used for breathing.
“Despite the potential prevention of the virus, and therefore the low risk, it is still encouraged that people who have not had poliovirus vaccination contact their GP to receive their vaccine. If you are not sure If you have received your vaccine, you can contact your GP to find out.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks of infection are a concern for many. Despite the potential for this virus to spread, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and steps to take to help avoid the spread of the virus.
“Since the virus is usually contracted through contact with feces, it is important to make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and also after touching anything that has come into contact with feces. Poliovirus can also be spread through water. Droplets from coughing and sneezing If you are concerned about being infected with the virus or experiencing flu-like symptoms, it would be advisable to wear a face-mask in public .
“If you think you may have polio, we recommend that you isolate yourself and contact your GP or health professional to discuss your symptoms and to make sure the virus is not spread to other people.” What steps will you have to take so that it does not spread among the people.