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Facts About the Polio Virus

The polio virus is also known as poliomyelitis. This term means spinal cord inflammation. Over 90 percent of polio infections show no symptoms. In those that do show symptoms they can range from paralysis to mutations in the legs. An individual can become immune to the polio virus by immunization or infection.

  1. Transmission

    • The polio virus is highly contagious. This virus spreads through human-to-human contact. The summer and fall months are the time when this virus reaches it's peak transmission. The time in which a person is exposed to the virus to the time it takes to show first signs can take up to one month. The virus particles are found in feces and are primarily transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water.

    Pathophysiology

    • The polio virus first enters the body through the mouth. Once in the mouth it spreads to the throat and the intestinal mucus. The virus then corrupts the cells and begins to replicate. After about a week the cells have duplicated in an abundance and are absorbed into the bloodstream. In some cases the layers of tissue in the brain can become infected and can lead to paralysis.

    Diagnosis

    • The polio virus may be suspected in individuals who experience flaccid paralysis in one or more limbs. Antibodies of the virus can be detected early through a blood test of an infected patient. Spinal fluid can then be collected from a spinal tap to reveal the severity of their condition. Determining the source of the virus is important so that others around you can be tested as well.

    Treatment

    • There is currently no cure available for the polio virus. However, modern treatment can give a patient relief of symptoms and prevent further complications. Some treatments include the use of antibiotics to prevent infections, pain relievers for pain and a healthy diet. There are also physical therapy treatments and orthopedic surgeries. Some polio sufferers have breathing problems and will need to use a portable ventilator to support their breathing.

    Prevention

    • There are currently two vaccines that can prevent the polio virus. Both vaccines will give your body immunity to the virus and effectively block transmission of wild polio. Over 90 percent of individuals who are given two doses of the vaccine develop antibodies which will prevent them from getting the polio virus. After three doses, 99 percent of individuals become immune.

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