What is polio?
Polio is a contagious disease that is caused by poliomyelitis virus. Polio virus lives in the intestinal tract and in the throat. The virus is usually spread when you come in contact with the stool of an infected person. Also, albeit to a smaller degree, the virus is also spread through nasal secretions. After infection, the signs take about 21 days to one month before they show.
What happens when the virus gets in the body?
Polio gets in the body through the mouth. Once it gets in the mouth, it spreads to the intestinal mucus and into the throat. After this, the virus corrupts body cells and begins to replicate. Within a week or two after entry, the virus replicates in high amounts and is absorbed in the blood stream. In some cases, the virus affects tissues in the brain resulting to paralysis.
Which are the Symptoms of polio?
According to research, over 70% of infected people usually don't show disease symptoms. Although, these people don't show the symptoms, they pose great danger of spreading the disease. Research goes further to show that over 20% of infected people show minor symptoms such as sore throat, stomach upset, and fever. It's good to note that this percentage of people usually don't have paralysis or other serious symptoms.
About 1-6% of the people develop more severe symptoms such as aseptic meningitis which is accompanied by back, neck and leg stiffness. These symptoms usually last for two to ten days after which complete recovery ensues. Although, polio is associated with paralysis, it's good to note that those who develop paralysis are usually less than 1%.
What is polio vaccine?
This is an attenuated virus which cannot affect the body. There are currently two polio vaccines which are used to give your body immunity against the virus. The vaccines are usually given to young kids in three doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. After being given the vaccine, the kids develop antibodies which protect them against the polio virus.
How can I treat polio?
Sadly, there is no cure for polio. Like many viral diseases, polio can only be prevented from entering the body by use of vaccines. Once the virus is the body, it can't be eliminated. The good news is that modern treatment can give you some medications such as antibiotics, pain reliever and a healthy diet which aid in giving you relief from the symptoms.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mutura_Nganga_
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8123278
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