Polio
Long-term problems caused by polio
Although polio often passes quickly without causing any other problems, it can sometimes lead to persistent or lifelong difficulties.
About 1 in every 200 people with the infection will have some degree of permanent paralysis, and othersmay be left with problems that require long-term treatment and support,such as:
- muscle weakness
- shrinking of the muscles (atrophy)
- tight joints (contractures)
- deformities, such as twisted feet or legs
There's also a chance that someone who has had polio in the past will develop similar symptoms again, or worsening of their existing symptoms, many decades later. This is known as post-polio syndrome .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about polio, including what the symptoms are, how it's spread, where it's found and the polio vaccination.
Symptoms of polio
About 95% of people with polio won't have any symptoms and will fight off the infection without even realising they were infected. A small number of people will experience a flu -like illness 3 to 21
Long-term problems caused by polio
Although polio often passes quickly without causing any other problems, it can sometimes lead to persistent or lifelong difficulties. About 1 in every 200 people with the infection will have some deg
How do you get polio?
You can become infected with the polio virus if you come into contact with the poo (faeces) of someone with the infection, or with the droplets launched into the air when they cough or sneeze. You ca
Where is polio found?
As a result of routine vaccination programmes, polio has been largely wiped out in most parts of the world. Areas declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) include Europe, the Americ
Treating polio
There's currentlyno cure for polio.Treatmentfocuses on supporting bodily functions and reducing the risk of long-term problems while the body fights offthe infection. This can include bed rest in hos
Polio vaccination
The polio vaccination is offered as part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme . It's given by injection in five separate doses. These are normally given at: eight,12 and16 weeks of
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