Myths & Facts About Polio

Polio, once a widely feared disease, is highly contagious and can lead to paralysis or even death in severe cases. Although it primarily affects children under the age of five, unvaccinated individuals of any age remain at risk of contracting it.

While polio has been largely eradicated due to extensive vaccination efforts, misconceptions and misinformation about the disease persist. This article will clear up these myths and provide accurate information about the disease, its history, and the continued efforts to prevent its resurgence.

But first, let's begin by understanding polio, how it is transmitted, and its signs and symptoms.

Understanding Polio

Polio, medically known as poliomyelitis, is a serious viral infection caused by the poliovirus, part of the Enterovirus genus within the Picornaviridae family.

There are three types of polioviruses: Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1), Type 2 (WPV2), and Type 3 (WPV3). While WPV2 and WPV3 have been eliminated, WPV1 still exists in a few regions and remains the most likely to cause paralysis.

Poliovirus only infects humans and primarily spreads from person to person through the faecal-oral route, but it can also spread less commonly via contaminated water or food.

Transmission occurs when individuals:

• Come into contact with the faeces of an infected individual
• Inhale droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough (less common)
• Consume food or drinks contaminated with infected faeces
• Place contaminated objects, such as toys, in the mouth
• Touch contaminated surfaces and then put their fingers in the mouth
• Have close contact with an infected person, such as while providing care

Once poliovirus enters the mouth, it replicates in the throat and intestines before invading the nervous system, leading to various symptoms. An infected individual can transmit the virus to others both immediately before and up to two weeks after symptoms appear. Additionally, asymptomatic individuals can still spread the virus and cause illness in others.

Most individuals infected with polio do not show any visible symptoms. In fact, about 1 in 4 people will experience mild, flu-like symptoms, which can include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

These symptoms typically last 2 to 5 days and resolve on their own. However, in some cases, individuals may develop more severe infections that impact the brain and spinal cord. Serious symptoms can include:

• Weakness in the arms, legs, or both occurs in about 1 in 200 to 1 in 2000 people, depending on the type of virus.
• Paralysis also affects about 1 in 200 to 1 in 2000 people, based on the virus type.
• Meningitis, which is an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, occurs in about 1 to 5 out of every 100 people infected with the poliovirus, depending on the type.

In severe cases, poliovirus can lead to permanent disability and even death. Between 2 to 10 out of 100 people who experience paralysis from poliovirus infection may die because the virus affects the muscles involved in breathing.

There is currently no cure for polio; prevention is only possible through vaccination. Two vaccines are available: the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). Both vaccines are safe and effective and are given multiple times to ensure lifelong protection for children.

READ: Top five reasons to immunize or vaccinate your child

8 Common Myths About Polio

Myth 1: Polio is no longer a threat, so the vaccine is no longer necessary.

Fact: Yes, polio has indeed been eliminated in most parts of the world, but it still exists in a few regions (Pakistan and Afghanistan). Since people travel internationally, the virus can spread to countries where polio has been eradicated. This is why vaccination remains important - it helps protect everyone until the disease is completely wiped out across the globe.

Myth 2: Only children can get poliomyelitis.

Fact: While polio primarily affects children under the age of 5, adults who are unvaccinated or haven't received full immunisation can also contract the virus. Polio can affect anyone at any age if they are not properly protected through vaccination.

Myth 3: The polio vaccine is unsafe.

Fact: The poliovirus vaccine is highly safe. Before being released, it undergoes extensive testing and clinical trials that follow strict safety guidelines. Even after approval, the vaccine is continuously monitored to ensure ongoing safety. This continuous monitoring allows any possible issues to be quickly identified and addressed.

While there is a small risk of complications or allergic reactions, these are rare.

Myth 4: Polio only causes paralysis.

Fact: While polio is known for causing paralysis, most people infected with the virus experience mild flu-like or no symptoms at all. However, in severe cases, it can lead to paralysis, respiratory problems, and even death. Vaccination is essential to prevent these serious complications.

Myth 5: The poliovirus vaccine causes paralysis.

One of the most common polio vaccine myths is that it causes paralysis. In reality, the vaccine contains only a weakened form of the virus and is safe - it does not cause paralysis. In rare cases, the oral polio vaccine can lead to vaccine-derived polio (VDPV), but this is extremely uncommon, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the small risks. The inactivated polio vaccine, which is widely used, cannot cause polio.

Both vaccines have been proven effective and are essential in preventing paralysis caused by the poliovirus.

Myth 6: Polio vaccines should not be given multiple times.

Multiple doses of the polio vaccine are necessary to ensure full immunity.

The vaccine works by helping children’s bodies prepare to fight the poliovirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive four doses of the polio vaccine for best protection. Over 99% of children who complete the recommended doses will be fully protected from polio.

Myth 7: Polio vaccine contains substances that reduce fertility.

Another common polio vaccine myth is that it causes infertility or impotence. However, there is no scientific basis for this claim. The vaccine contains no ingredients that affect fertility, and no anti-fertility agents are used in its production. It has been thoroughly tested and proven safe, with no connection to infertility.

Myth 8: The polio vaccine can overload your immune system.

The idea of "overloading" the immune system is a misconception. In reality, a stronger immune system is more effective at preventing diseases. For instance, the polio vaccine can be given safely multiple times, and there is no evidence that doing so harms immunity or overall health.

In fact, children need stronger immunity than adults since they are more susceptible to infections. Therefore, there is no proof that the vaccine negatively affects health or causes issues in children.

The Importance of Polio Vaccination

Polio is a highly infectious and serious disease that can lead to lifelong paralysis or even death.

The best way to protect your child from this condition is through vaccination. Timely immunisation can prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard your child from its long-term complications.

It’s important to note that even children who appear to have fully recovered from polio can later develop muscle weakness, joint pain, or atrophy (a reduction in muscle size) as adults. This condition, known as post-polio syndrome (PPS), can occur decades later, often 15 to 40 years after the initial infection. It affects approximately 25 to 40 out of every 100 polio survivors.

Moreover, if a child suffers paralysis due to polio, their risk of death increases since the virus can impact the muscles responsible for breathing.

Polio vaccination is a simple yet crucial step towards a healthier future for your child. Schedule an appointment with your paediatrician today to discuss your child's immunisation needs.

Take Away

Polio, once a major public health concern, has been largely eliminated through the development and widespread use of effective vaccines. However, the threat of polio resurging remains, especially in regions where vaccination rates are low. It's crucial to dispel myths and misconceptions about the disease and its prevention.

By understanding the facts about polio, how it is transmitted, and the importance of vaccination, we can contribute to a polio-free world. Let's continue to support vaccination efforts and ensure that future generations are protected from this contagious disease.