Polio:
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease, which affects children and attacks the nervous system, especially the nerves of the lower limbs. The virus causes complete or semi-paralysis and may lead to death in some cases.
Causes:
The main cause for polio is polio virus. It usually enters the human body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine.
Infection Transmission:
Polio is transmitted through:
- Direct contact between a polio-infected person and a healthy person.
- Mucus and phlegm from the mouth and nose, in addition to the stool contaminated with the virus.
- Water and food contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms:
The majority of persons infected with polio will have no symptoms, or do have so mild signs of the disease that they don't realize that they have been infected. These symptoms include fever, fatigue, and nausea, as well as headache, stiff neck, and pain in the limbs.
Who is at risk?
Polio (poliomyelitis) mainly affects children under five.
Treatment:
There is no cure for polio, however some health tips are recommended, such as:
- Taking enough rest.
- Taking the medicines which help relieve the symptoms.
- Doing physical therapy regularly, so that the muscles would be dysfunctional.
- Maintaining a healthy diet.
Prevention:
Taking multiple doses of anti-Polio vaccine regularly according to the vaccination schedule is highly recommended; it can provide the child with life-long protection, Allah willing.