What is Polio and How does it spread?
Polio is a potentially deadly, life-altering disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and attacks the brain and spinal cord. Often makes the patient paralyzed and it is mainly spread by person-to-person contact. Mainly spread by person-to-person contact by eating raw or undercooked food or drinking water or other drinks that are contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
What is Polio Vaccine and Why should Travelers get the vaccine?
The polio vaccination protects individuals from the poliovirus. There are two variants in circulation, injectable and oral. Oral vaccination is used throughout most of the developing world. Canada uses an injectable polio vaccine to prevent any accidental outbreaks.
Who should get Polio Vaccine
All children should receive the polio vaccine. They should receive one dose at two months, four months, six to 18 months, and four to six years old. Travelers going to certain parts of Africa and Asia may be at risk for polio. A one-time adult polio vaccine a booster dose is recommended for previously vaccinated travelers to certain countries. Even though some people are vaccinated in their childhood, Still they should need to get a booster dose. People groups like, handle specimens of poliovirus, health care workers who may come in contact with infected people should get vaccinated.
Polio Symptoms
Most people with polio do not feel sick. Some people have only minor symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs
Typical Symptoms:
- WSore Throat
- WFever
- WFatigue
- WNausea or Stomach pain
- WHeadache
Serious Symptoms:
- WParesthesia (feeling of pins and needles in legs)
- WMeningitis
- WParalysis
- WBrain or Spinal issues
- Wpermanent Disability or Death
What can travelers do to prevent the disease?
- Get Polio Vaccinated
- Eat safe food and drinks/ safe beverages
- Practice hygiene and cleanliness
- Wash your hands often, using soap or sanitizer (Containing at least 60% alcohol.)
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with other people, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with sick people
