Preventions- The Polio Vaccine
There is no cure for Polio. However, it can be prevented with the Polio Vaccine. The idea is for every child born to be vaccinated with the Polio vaccine until the disease becomes extinct.
There are two types of vaccines that can prevent polio:
2. Oral polio vaccine (OPV)- Was developed in 1961 by Albert Sabin. It consists of a mixture of live, weakened poliovirus strains of all three poliovirus types which produce antibodies in the blood. While these antibodies prevent the spread of the virus during an infection, OPV also produces a mucosal immune response in the mucous membrane of the intestines, hence also creating anti bodies in the mucous membranes that line the intestines. Therefore, in the event of infection, these mucosal antibodies limit the replication of the wild poliovirus inside the intestine.
Since polio can be transmitted when the stool of an infected person is introduced into the mouth of another person through contaminated water or food, this intestinal immune response to OPV is thought to be one of the main reasons why OPV is used in countries where Polio is a mass epidemic, as the mucosal immunity decreases the replication and excretion of the virus. OPV is also a cheaper option and does not have to be administered by a health professional. Since January 1, 2000, OPV was no longer recommended for routine immunization in the United States. However, OPV continues to be used in the countries where polio is endemic or the risk of transmission is high.
There are two types of vaccines that can prevent polio:
- Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) - IPV also known as the “Salk vaccine" was developed in 1955 by Dr Jonas Salk. IPV consists of dead poliovirus strains of all three poliovirus types. The inactivated polioviruses in the vaccine produces antibodies in the blood to all three types of poliovirus. Therefore, in the event of infection, these antibodies prevent the spread of the virus to the central nervous system and protect against paralysis. IPV is given by intramuscular injection and is highly effective in preventing paralytic diseases caused by all three types of poliovirus. IPV is given in the leg or arm, depending on age. Children should be vaccinated with 4 doses of IPV at the following ages:
- A dose at 2 months
- A dose at 4 months
- A dose at 6-18 months
- A booster dose at 4-6 years
2. Oral polio vaccine (OPV)- Was developed in 1961 by Albert Sabin. It consists of a mixture of live, weakened poliovirus strains of all three poliovirus types which produce antibodies in the blood. While these antibodies prevent the spread of the virus during an infection, OPV also produces a mucosal immune response in the mucous membrane of the intestines, hence also creating anti bodies in the mucous membranes that line the intestines. Therefore, in the event of infection, these mucosal antibodies limit the replication of the wild poliovirus inside the intestine.
Since polio can be transmitted when the stool of an infected person is introduced into the mouth of another person through contaminated water or food, this intestinal immune response to OPV is thought to be one of the main reasons why OPV is used in countries where Polio is a mass epidemic, as the mucosal immunity decreases the replication and excretion of the virus. OPV is also a cheaper option and does not have to be administered by a health professional. Since January 1, 2000, OPV was no longer recommended for routine immunization in the United States. However, OPV continues to be used in the countries where polio is endemic or the risk of transmission is high.
Maintaining Hygiene
Since polio can be transmitted through indirect contact with contaminated stool, it is vital to maintain a hygienic environment to stop the virus from spreading. Preventative measures such as washing hands before preparing meals can stop the virus from being introduced to the mouth of another person. The source of drinking water should also be checked and confirmed it is not contaminated and safe to drink. Maintaining hygiene in places like toilets are also important in preventing polio.
Treatments
Once a person has been infected, there is no cure for polio. The vaccines are only effective on those who have not been infected.Therefore treatments are focused on increasing comfort, managing symptoms, and preventing complications . Some treatments include:
- Heat and physical therapy- Used to stimulate the muscles and antispasmodic drugs are given to relax the muscles. While this can improve movement, it cannot reverse permanent polio paralysis.
- providing bed rest
- Antibiotics for additional infections
- Pain killers- especially effective in soothing the flu-like symptoms of abortive polio
- Ventilators to help breathing-One treatment for lung paralysis due to polio was to place the patient into an iron lung . The iron lung was a device that would push and pull chest muscles to make them work. However, today, ventilators are used.
- Physiotherapy- To help reduce muscle pain