poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis, better known as polio, is a viral disease that can affect nerves and can lead to partial or full paralysis.
Signs & Symptoms
Some people who develop symptoms from the poliovirus contract nonparalytic polio. Signs and symptoms, which generally last one to 10 days, include:
In rare cases, poliovirus infection leads to paralytic polio, the most serious form of the disease. Signs and symptoms include:
Risk Factors
Complications
Post-polio syndrome is a cluster of disabling signs and symptoms that affect some people several years (an average of 35 years after they had polio). Common signs and symptoms include:
Communicable / Non-communicable
Communicable
Signs & Symptoms
Some people who develop symptoms from the poliovirus contract nonparalytic polio. Signs and symptoms, which generally last one to 10 days, include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Back pain or stiffness
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Pain or stiffness in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness or tenderness
- Meningitis
In rare cases, poliovirus infection leads to paralytic polio, the most serious form of the disease. Signs and symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of reflexes
- Severe muscle aches or weakness
- Loose and floppy limbs (flaccid paralysis), often worse on one side of the body
Risk Factors
- Not immunized pr vaccinated against the disease
- In areas with poor or noexistant immunization programs, pregnant women, the very young, and those with weakened immue systems are especially susceptible.
- Travel to an area where polio is common or that has recently experienced an outbreak
- Living with or caring for someone who may be shedding poliovirus
- A compromised immune system, such as occurs with HIV infection
- Having had your tonsils removed (tonsillectomy)
- Extreme stress or strenuous physical activity after being exposed to poliovirus
Complications
Post-polio syndrome is a cluster of disabling signs and symptoms that affect some people several years (an average of 35 years after they had polio). Common signs and symptoms include:
- Progressive muscle or joint weakness and pain
- General fatigue and exhaustion after minimal activity
- Muscle atrophy
- Breathing or swallowing problems
- Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Decreased tolerance of cold temperatures
- Cognitive problems
- concentration
- memory difficulties
- Depression or mood swings
Communicable / Non-communicable
Communicable
