Polio Virus Prevention

Although certain strains of polio apparently been eradicated, the complete eradication of the polio virus remains to be seen. Vaccination remains the best solution to the spread of this debilitating virus; however, in areas where widespread vaccination is impossible, other options exist to impede and prevent the spread of polio from one person to another. Whether a person lives in an area where the polio vaccine is available or is traveling abroad to an area where polio is an issue, prevention tips are important to ensure that the disease is stopped early in its tracks.

Vaccination

• Many westernized nations have adopted the polio vaccine as the standard modus operandi against the spread of the disease. When vaccination is possible, a person is simply inoculated, usually early in life, with a series of injections. Such injections usually take place at 2 months of age, 4 months, between 6 months and 18 months, and finally just before a child enters school--at around 5 years old. The polio vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective and usually has very minimal side effects. Some patients complain of redness, pain and swelling around the vaccination site. Fever, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat are rare and serious reactions that should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Minimizing Risk

• Individuals who live in or plan to visit areas in which polio has not yet been eradicated must obviously follow a different set of guidelines. The most important step individuals who may have polio should take is preventing any contact with others until infection is confirmed. According to Toronto Public Health, polio is transmitted orally, if you are coughed on, sneezed on or kissed by a person with polio, you can contract the virus. Polio can also be transmitted if you come into contact with the stool of an infected person. As a result, one of the best ways to prevent polio is to encourage proper hygiene. Always wash your hands after coming into contact with anyone who might be infected. Wash your hands when using public bathrooms or other areas where stool contamination is possible. Stay away from individuals who are coughing, sneezing or otherwise exhibiting signs of illness, in order to avoid germs. Practice proper hygiene at all times. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer will suffice.

  In areas where the vaccine is not available, the best way to prevent polio is by increased education about the illness, its signs, and the methods of contracting the disease. Increased public education can encourage the proper hygiene steps discussed above and help stop the spread of polio when vaccination is not possible or practical.

Potentially Infectious Individuals

• Individuals who are potentially infectious should follow yet another set of guidelines. If you suspect you have polio, avoid all forms of public transportation. Those who may have polio can best prevent the spread of the disease by staying at home and avoiding contact with others. Once care is sought, health-care providers should be notified well in advance so that they may prepare arrangements in the hospital to prevent the spread of the disease.

  Symptoms of polio can range from mild, flu-like symptoms similar to those experienced with most other viral illnesses to the much more severe muscle aches or spasms, loss of reflexes, loose or floppy limbs, or even paralysis and death. Many people who contract the polio virus, however, don't come down with any symptoms and may not even know they have been infected.