Understanding Polio
Today, most polio outbreaks occur in Haiti, Nigeria and India. This highly contagious viral disease may cause total loss of muscle function. A communicable disease, poliomyelitis (polio) can also lead to respiratory infection or death. The only appropriate standard of care is immunization.
Polio spreads through human contact after introduction to the body through the mouth. The majority of polio victims are introduced to the virus following consumption of contaminated water or food. The poliovirus invades the nervous system after the initial point of contact. Within hours, polio may cause the onset of paralysis. Immunization.
While polio can affect any age demographic, polio cases are normally reported among youth between the ages of 3-5. For this reason, medical agencies recommend preventative care during childhood.
The best way to avoid polio is to receive immunizations. This invaluable scientific tool controls the spread of disease. Immunizations equip the human body with an ability to fight attacks from specified harmful bodies. When a doctor immunizes a patient, a small dosage of the offending virus enters the body. In most patients, the body will then build up a defense to the disease. This should protect the body from full-blown eruptions of a particular disease.
History
Jakob Heine first recognized polio as a disease in 1840. Dr. Jonas Salk introduced IPV, the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, in 1955 as a mode of treatment. By 1961, the Sabin vaccine had been introduced to the medical community. The Sabin vaccine is an oral medication known as oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV).
Symptoms
Acute illness will last less than three weeks. After infection, victims suffer from fever, headache, localized pain, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. Unfortunately, most people who have been exposed to polio may not immediately exhibit symptoms.
The incubation period for polio ranges between 3-35 days. After infection, victims release virus particles in their solid waste for several weeks.
Treatment
In rare instances, usage of OPV will lead to paralytic polio. Due to that, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control strongly urge physicians to utilize IPV as the sole form of immunization against polio infection. This inactivated poliovirus vaccine has the ability to prevent polio.
Vaccination in Children
Medical professionals recommend that children receive polio vaccinations in four dosages. A child will receive a dosage at 2 months of age and 4 months of age. The third vaccination is given between 6-18 months. Finally, youth receive a booster shot between 4-6 years of age.
Vaccination in Adults
Adults who received vaccinations as children will not need additional vaccination unless there are factors present that indicate higher levels of risk exposure. For example, adults who travel to areas of the world ravaged by polio outbreaks are more susceptible to contraction of this infection. Laboratory workers who handle the poliovirus, as well as health care professionals who interact with polio victims, also maintain a higher risk level for polio contraction. Those three adult populations must receive polio booster shots as is recommended by health care experts.
When to Avoid Vaccination
People with minor illnesses will not receive the polio vaccine until they have recovered. Any illness, including the "common cold," has compromised the body's immune system.
Polio vaccinations are also not recommended for individuals who suffer from certain allergies. A physician will counsel patients who are not able to receive the inactivated poliovirus vaccine.
Summary: Polio is no longer a major health concern in the United States. However, polio is still a highly contagious disease that negatively affects the health of individuals. The only way to defend the human body against polio is through immunization. The preferred mode of treatment is inactivated poliovirus vaccine, which should be introduced to the human body during childhood.
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