Medindia » Consumer Health » Health Information » Poliomyelitis - FAQs

Poliomyelitis

Faqs

RSS Feeds   Text 
1. Who can get polio?

Any unimmunized person can get polio but young children are more at risk.

2. Can polio- affected children lead a normal life?

Children with paralytic polio will be disabled for life and may need aids for mobility e.g.crutches or wheelchairs. As the brain in not affected, the mental prowess is unimpaired. An example of a high achiever who was paralyzed by polio is the US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

3. Do children with polio need long term follow up?

Yes. It is important for polio-afflicted children to visit a doctor regularly. It will help them to cope better with post-polio syndrome, if they were to develop it.

4. What is post-polio syndrome?

Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a medical condition that affects people 15 to 30 years after their recovery from polio. It is characterized by fatigue, slow progressive muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, and muscular atrophy.

5. How can children be prevented from getting polio?

E very child has to be vaccinated against polio. This is to make sure that the child is not infected with the virus and also to prevent spread of polio.

6. What is the advantage of using oral polio vaccine?

Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is the safest and most effective way to prevent polio. It has the ability to induce intestinal and local immunity which is capable of interrupting wild poliovirus transmission.

7. Is polio completely eradicated?

No. Polio has not been completely eradicated. Although the number of cases has fallen over the years, some countries like India, Nigeria, Egypt, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Nigeria still report incidences of polio.


Share it!
Comment & Contribute
Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. Comments are normally moderated and are reviewed after they are posted.
* Your comment can be maximum of 2500 characters

Notify me when reply is posted
I agree to the terms and conditions
  
If you have a question about health related issues, you can now post it in our Ask An Expert section on our community website Medwonders.com and get answers from our panel of experts.
X
Related Links
World Immunisation Day
Immunization in Children
Medindia.net - Diseases - Polio
World Polio Day

Medwonders Health Network

Citing this Health Article
The information on Medindia is factual, unbiased and authentic. If you find the content useful - PLEASE INCLUDE A LINK TO THIS PAGE.

Highlight the text, right-click, and select “copy”. Paste the link into your website, email, or any other HTML document.

News on Poliomyelitis
* Polio Eradication at “Tipping Point,” Says WHO Chief
* Ella Foundation Wins $100,000 Grant To Develop Polio Vaccine
* Polio Work Brings Honours to Big B
* Pakistan Looks At India For Tips To Fight Polio
* Polio Endemic Countries Look to Finally Eradicate Virus
Total News Item 175
Are you a member of Facebook? Become a fan of Medindia and get breaking news delivered to your Facebook page.