The chances of surviving polio greatly depend on the type of polio the person is affected by. For the most common type of polio, called non-paralytic polio, 95% of people make a full recovery with no residual effects.
Paralytic polio, the more serious type of polio, can cause lasting damage primarily to the nervous system, and its mortality rate ranges from 5%-10%.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for polio survival. The polio virus attacks the nervous system, and the damage it causes increases quickly. If the virus is diagnosed and treated early, the patient has an increased chance of surviving with no symptoms.
The majority of those who survive paralytic polio experience some form of residual paralysis including difficulty walking, paralysis of limbs, and respiratory difficulty. Post-polio syndrome, a condition sometimes experienced by those who recover from paralytic polio, can lead to additional physical limitations.
With early diagnosis and treatment, supportive care from medical professionals, and rest and good nutrition, the chances of surviving polio greatly increase. However, long-term prevention is the best way to protect against the virus.
There are currently effective vaccines available to protect against polio, and these vaccines have helped to drastically reduce the incidence of polio in the world.
Can you survive polio today?
Yes, it is possible to survive polio today. There are millions of survivors of the disease who have managed to remain healthy and live full lives. While the disease can pose serious health risks, such as paralysis, the risk of death has been greatly reduced in the last several decades due to successful vaccination campaigns and medical advances.
As long as medical treatment is promptly sought, polio symptoms can now be effectively managed. There are also support networks available to provide emotional and mental support to polio survivors, helping them cope with any long-term effects of the virus.
With the right precautions, it is possible to survive polio today.
What happens if you get polio today?
Today, if you get polio, it will depend on several things including the type of polio virus, your healthcare access, and other medical conditions. In general, the symptoms that accompany polio infection can be very serious and may include fatigue, fever, headache, sore throat, neck pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
After the initial symptoms appear, the virus proceeds to attack the nervous system and can cause paralysis that can range in severity from mild to complete paralysis of the muscles that are needed to breathe.
Severe cases are treated with physical therapy and medications to help with the pain and muscle spasms associated with paralysis. In the US, a number of vaccinations are available to prevent polio, but in areas of the globe where sanitation is lacking polio is still a major public health risk.
In addition, a number of countries may have limited access to healthcare options that could help manage the symptoms of polio infection. In some cases, supportive care and device assistance may be needed to help those afflicted with polio to live as normal a life as possible.
How long do polio survivors live?
The life expectancy of polio survivors depends on the severity of symptoms and how much the disease has affected their muscles and nerves. Individuals with mild symptoms of polio typically live a normal lifespan; however, some survival cases of paralytic polio may experience complications that can result in life-threatening respiratory issues.
People who developed paralysis and muscle weakness due to polio also may be at higher risk of developing other age-related medical conditions, such as arthritis and cardiovascular issues. In general, people diagnosed with polio tend to have a life expectancy that is somewhat lower than average, although this varies on a case-by-case basis.
It is important for polio survivors to receive regular medical check-ups and to stay active to reduce the severity of symptoms over time and improve overall health and quality of life.
Is polio still a threat?
Yes, polio is still a threat in some parts of the world, though it has been largely eradicated in many parts of the world thanks to successful vaccination programs. Polio is a highly infectious virus that is most commonly spread through contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infected person.
It can cause a range of symptoms, including paralysis, which is why it can be a life-threatening virus.
Still, the good news is that polio is quite preventable with a simple and cost-effective vaccine. Vaccination programs throughout the world has resulted in a 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988. However, there are still some pockets of the world where immunization rates are not up to the desired level.
As a result, these areas are still at risk for polio outbreaks.
In order to completely eradicate polio, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all countries upholding activities specific to polio eradication, and that the global community remains committed to the goal of stamping out this virus once and for all.
So while polio is no longer a threat in much of the world, it’s important to remain aware that in some countries, the risk still exists.
Does the polio vaccine last a lifetime?
No, the polio vaccine does not last a lifetime. There are two types of polio vaccines available: inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and oral polio vaccine (OPV). Each of these vaccinations provide protection against polio, but the protection is not life-long.
IPV is the more commonly used from the two types, and it is the one administered in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a routine vaccination schedule with four doses of IPV at two months, four months, six-18 months, and a booster dose at four-6 years of age.
Although some protection is conferred after just one dose, the complete series of four doses is necessary to ensure adequate protection.
OPV is used in especially resource-poor countries. OPV only requires two doses, usually provided around the same ages as IPV (two months and four-six months of age, respectively). Even though two doses suffice, the CDC still recommends a booster dose at 18 months of age.
The protection provided by either type of vaccine lasts several years; however, it is not life-long. A booster dose is required at least every 10 years for adults to ensure continued protection against polio.
Will polio ever go away?
Polio will not go away in the near future, unfortunately. It is a highly infectious disease that is caused by a virus and spreads easily. Or even be fatal. However, polio has been greatly reduced in cases, largely due to immunization efforts.
In the late 1940s there were approximately 35,000 cases of polio in the United States, but the last report of polio in the United States was in 1979.
Worldwide, the number of new polio cases has declined by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases to 33 reported cases in 2017. This effort to decrease the number of polio cases is a result of vaccination campaigns and the implementation of the tracking and monitoring of the spread of polio.
Also, the World Health Organization’s goal is to completely eradicate polio by 2020.
Although it will not happen in the near future, it is possible to completely eradicate polio in the long term. With contributions from international organizations and private institutions, organized vaccination programs, effective monitoring of the spread of the disease, and resources to immunize communities, the goal of eradicating polio can be met in the future.
Do adults need a polio booster?
No, adults generally do not need to receive a polio booster. Most adults in the U. S. were vaccinated against polio as children, and such a vaccine typically provides immunity for life. However, adults who were not vaccinated as children, such as those who were born after 1979 and did not receive the infant series, should receive a polio booster.
Additionally, adults who were vaccinated as children but are at risk of being exposed to the virus (such as through international travel) should also receive a booster. As each individual’s situation may vary, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if a booster is necessary.
Can you get polio if you are fully vaccinated?
No, it is not possible to get polio if you have been fully vaccinated. Vaccines are incredibly effective at preventing the spread and contraction of polio, which is why vaccination programs have been so successful at eliminating polio from much of the world.
After receiving the full vaccine schedule from your doctor, your body will have an immunity to the virus, meaning you will be unable to contract polio, even if you are exposed to the virus. While it is always best to make sure you continue to be up to date with vaccinations, it is highly unlikely that you would get polio if you have completed your vaccinational schedule.
Should I be worried about polio?
Yes, you should be worried about polio. Polio is a serious and potentially fatal disease. The virus, which is highly contagious, can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. However, there are effective vaccines available to prevent polio.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the disease. It is important to ensure that polio immunization is up-to-date, either through routine immunization or supplementary immunization campaigns.
Adults should also ensure they are protected against polio, either through routine immunization or a booster dose of the polio vaccine. It is also important to practice good hygiene and personal protection measures such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with those who may be infected with the virus.
How many cases of polio are there today?
Currently, there are zero reported cases of polio in the world. This is an incredible accomplishment, considering that in 1988, more than 350,000 cases of polio were reported across 125 countries. Thanks to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which was launched in 1988, combined with the efforts of the World Health Organization and other partners, the world has seen a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of the disease.
Since then, cases have dropped by over 99. 9%, representing an estimated 16 million cases prevented.
The GPEI, utilizing polio vaccines, surveillance, and supplemental activities, has supported countries to achieve and maintain polio-free status. The last case of wild polio was reported in Pakistan, and subsequently, the entire region of the Eastern Mediterranean was certified polio-free in May of 2020.
With the global goal to eradicate polio, the GPEI is working to ensure that no child suffers from the preventable virus.
Though polio has been nearly eliminated from the world, there is still work to be done. Polio is a highly infectious disease, and the elimination of the virus requires at least 85% of all children to be vaccinated.
Bold and ambitious strategies must be put into effect to ensure that full eradication is achieved.
Who is the longest living polio survivor?
The oldest polio survivor known is Charles Krause of Wisconsin. Charles was born in 1938 and contracted and survived polio in 1947. He has lived with the after-effects of the disease for most of his life.
Charles has become a leading advocate for those affected by polio, speaking at conferences around the country and participating in numerous fundraising activities. He is also an active supporter of research related to poliovirus and its effects.
Charles has dedicated his life to inspiring others, educating others on the need for increased awareness and financial support, and inspiring research and progress related to polio and post-polio support.
Charles is currently 82 years old and still living active and inspiring life.
Does polio stay in your body forever?
No, polio does not stay in your body forever. Once an individual is infected with the poliovirus, it can stay in their body for a few weeks or months and then be cleared from the system. If a person experiences paralysis due to polio, the virus is typically cleared within 2 to 10 weeks after symptom onset.
However, the virus can remain in a person’s body for longer periods of time in rare cases. While the virus is cleared, some people may still have partial paralysis or residual weakness even after the virus is cleared.
Over time, most people with polio recover, although some may not have full limb function and complete muscle control even after the virus is cleared. It is important to note that while the virus is cleared from the body, a person still can spread the virus to other vulnerable people until all signs of the virus are gone.
Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures and get vaccinated to protect yourself and others from polio.
Can polio survivors walk?
The answer to this question can be complicated. It depends on the severity of the polio and when the person was infected. If a person had severe polio and was infected during the first few years of life, they may be paralyzed or walk with a limp and may need assistive devices to get around.
For those with milder symptoms, many polio survivors can walk, albeit with a bit of a limp. Some may even be asymptomatic and have no walking impairment.
Polio can affect muscles throughout the body and not just in the legs. Those with polio who can walk may have weakened muscles in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, chest, or arms, and may develop upper body deformities over time if not given specific exercise and physical therapy.
It’s important to remember that polio survivors are individuals and their polio is unique to them, so what applies to one survivor may not apply to another, and one should always consult a doctor on how to properly care for a polio survivor.
Are iron lungs still in use today?
No, iron lungs are no longer in use today. The invention of the iron lung in 1928 by Philip Drinker and Louis Agassiz Shaw helped to save thousands of lives of those suffering from polio. The device provided artificial respiration by creating a vacuum seal around a patient’s body, filling their lungs with air, and then slowly draining the air out.
Iron lungs proved successful in helping polio patients recover and continued to be used until the development of the ventilator in the 1950s. The ventilator allowed patients to breathe on their own while they recovered and eventually replaced the iron lung.
Though there have been some reports of iron lungs being used as recently as 2019, their use is very limited and their use is mostly in the past.