Polio

Polio

  • Submitted By: JS423
  • Date Submitted: 04/23/2014 1:54 PM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 461
  • Page: 2

 Poliomyelitis, most commonly known as polio, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease caused by a virus that invades the brain and spinal cord and causing paralysis. Polio has been around for thousands of years but wasn't readily identified until the late 19th century. Polio has no age preference, but it primarily affects children under five years old. Polio is caused by infection with the poliovirus. The virus enters through the mouth and nose, multiplies in the throat and intestinal tract, and then is absorbed and spread through the blood and lymph system. The time from being infected with the virus to developing symptoms of disease ranges from five to thirty-five days but usually average seven to fourteen days for most people. Even though the virus enters the body, most people experience none of very few symptoms. Some of these symptoms could include but not limited to vomiting, headaches, fatigue and pain in the extremities. The symptoms can be treated with antibiotics, moist heat, painkillers and/or physical therapy.

People who suffer from polio often have skeletal and muscle deformities. One of the more common issues is the loss of strength in the leg muscles causing a domino effect which soon leads to tightness of the joints and movement disability. These people most likely, walk with a slight limp, a cane or are subject to wheelchair or wheelchair like devices. The prognosis of polio depends on which body part or parts are affected. Disability is more common than death but if the spinal column and brain affected enough, death can occur due to respiratory issues. The higher the infection found in the spine, the greater the chance of having respiratory issues. Unfortunately there is no known cure for polio. There is only ways to prevent the spread of this horrific virus. Proper vaccination is the best way. Polio can be transmitted by direct contact with a person infected with polio or by direct contact with fecal matter from a person...

Similar Essays