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Polio
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis or infantile
paralysis, is a serious infectious disease that was once
widespread in the United States. With the advent of polio
vaccine in the late 1950s, however, it became very rare. It is
most likely to strike children and young adults.
There are three forms of polio. The first type produces
no symptoms. The second causes mild symptoms such as fever,
headache, sore throat, and vomiting, and clears up within 2 or
3 days. The third, and most serious, form of polio may start
out with the same symptoms, but usually appears without
warning. This form may stop after causing severe headaches and
stiffness, or may go on to disable whole groups of muscles,
either temporarily or permanently.
The mild, nonparalytic form of the disease is the most
common. And even among those who develop paralysis, more than
three-quarters eventually recover completely or sustain only
mild disabilities. The remainder, however, face severe,
permanent paralysis---or even death. The paralytic form of the
disease proves fatal between 1 and 4 percent of the time. It is
most dangerous in adults.
Causes
Polio is caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person
to person through infected bowel movements and mucus from the
nose or throat. Symptoms develop within two weeks of exposure
to someone who has the disease. The virus remains in the throat
for 1 or 2 weeks after symptoms appear, and in bowel movements
for 3 to 6 weeks.
Luckily, if you have been given either the killed virus
(Salk) or live virus (Sabin) form of polio vaccine, you have
little chance of catching the disease.
Signs/Symptoms
-
Nonparalytic Polio
-
Headache, vomiting, sore
throat, fever.
-
Paralytic Polio
-
Severe headache, stiff neck
and back, muscle pain.
-
Loss of
reflexes.
-
Weakening of the muscles and
paralysis.
Care
Nonparalytic
Polio
In most cases, hospitalization is not necessary. The
doctor will probably give you medicine such as acetaminophen
(Tylenol), aspirin, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory such as
Advil to relieve pain. He or she may also suggest heat, bed
rest, a healthy diet, and plenty of sleep. For at least 2
weeks, you should avoid stress and
overexertion.
Paralytic
Polio
If you have this form of polio, you will have to go to
the hospital for treatment. You :mb will receive :mx hot packs
and baths, be given physical therapy such as range-of-motion
exercises, and, if necessary, be helped to breathe with a
mechanical device such as a ventilator.
Risks
For anyone who develops paralytic polio, there's a 1-in-4
chance of permanent paralysis. However, you can easily put an
end to this danger by making sure that your children get polio
vaccine.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You have muscle pain or neck
stiffness that lasts a week.
-
Your muscles feel
weak.
-
You have problems moving your
arms or legs.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You develop problems
breathing.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following procedures and equipment
during your stay:
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
-
Fluids and Electrolytes: The doctor may tell you to
drink a lot of liquids and may prescribe electrolytes
(chemicals in the blood that help muscles function
properly).
-
Rest: Lying quietly in bed and getting plenty of
sleep will help you regain your health.
-
Hot Packs and Baths: These soothing measures may
help reduce pain and relieve muscle spasms.
-
Respirator: This machine will provide assistance if
paralysis affects your breathing.
-
Medicines: To relieve pain, your doctor may
prescribe:
-
Acetaminophen
(Tylenol).
-
Aspirin.
-
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatories (Advil, Motrin).
-
Exercise: Even if you are in pain, it is important
to exercise. The longer you remain immobile, the greater
your chance of becoming permanently disabled.
After You
Leave
If necessary, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy
to help you regain the use of paralyzed arms or
legs.
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