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In India, we have made incredible progress in the fight against polio, but the battle isn’t over yet. Polio is a dangerous disease that spreads silently, often starting with mild signs and symptoms of polio-like fever, sore throat, and fatigue—easily mistaken for common infections. However, if ignored, it can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and even lifelong disability.

Thanks to large-scale vaccination drives like Pulse Polio, India was declared polio-free on March 27, 2014. However, cases are still reported in neighboring countries, and the risk of the virus returning remains. That’s why awareness is crucial!

In this blog, we’ll discuss how polio spreads, the early signs and symptoms of polio, and why timely vaccination is the only way to stay safe. Keep reading to ensure you and your loved ones are protected from this deadly disease!

What is Polio?

Polio is a viral disease that affects the nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis. It spreads through the fecal-oral route, primarily via contaminated food and water. The virus multiplies in the intestines and can invade the nervous system, causing severe damage. Historically, polio was a widespread disease, causing significant disability. However, global efforts, including mass immunization campaigns, have significantly reduced its prevalence. India was declared polio-free in 2014, but continued vigilance and vaccination efforts remain crucial to prevent any resurgence.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Polio

Polio presents itself in different forms, with mild and severe symptoms. Identifying early signs can help in timely medical intervention.

Fever

One of the initial signs of polio is a sudden fever. The body reacts to the virus by increasing temperature, which is a natural immune response. This fever is often mistaken for common viral infections, making early diagnosis difficult.

Fatigue

Polio can cause extreme tiredness and weakness, making even daily activities difficult. This fatigue may persist for days and should not be ignored, especially in children.

Headache

Many polio patients experience severe headaches as the virus affects the nervous system. This symptom often accompanies fever and fatigue.

Sore Throat

Another early symptom is a sore throat, as the virus initially affects the throat before spreading to the intestines and nervous system.

Nausea & Vomiting

Some individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach due to the viral infection. These symptoms often lead to dehydration, making hydration essential.

Advanced Signs and Symptoms of Polio

If the virus progresses, it may cause more severe complications affecting the nervous system and muscles.

Stiffness in the Neck and Back

Polio often leads to stiffness and pain in the neck and back, making movement difficult. This symptom indicates the virus’s impact on the spinal cord.

Muscle Weakness or Tenderness

Weakness in the arms and legs is a warning sign of polio’s progression. Muscle tenderness and pain may also occur as the virus damages nerve cells controlling movement.

Abnormal Reflexes

Infected individuals may show unusual reflexes, such as reduced or exaggerated responses to stimuli. This symptom suggests nerve damage.

Severe Muscle Pain

As polio progresses, severe muscle pain can occur, limiting movement and causing discomfort. Pain management and medical intervention become necessary at this stage.

Also Read:- Different Types of Polio

Paralytic Polio: The Most Severe Form

In some cases, polio progresses to paralytic polio, which is life-threatening and leads to long-term disability.

Symptoms Leading to Paralysis

Paralytic polio symptoms include sudden limb weakness, loss of reflexes, and severe muscle pain. These signs indicate damage to motor neurons.

Permanent Disabilities

Many paralytic polio survivors suffer from permanent disabilities, such as limb deformities and mobility challenges.

Breathing Difficulties Due to Affected Muscles

When polio affects respiratory muscles, breathing becomes difficult, requiring ventilatory support in severe cases.

Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS)

Decades after recovering from polio, some individuals experience Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS), which causes further health complications.

Late Effects of Polio Decades After Recovery

PPS leads to progressive muscle weakness and fatigue long after the initial infection.

Muscle Atrophy and Fatigue

Survivors may notice muscle shrinkage and persistent tiredness, affecting daily activities.

Joint Pain and Breathing Problems

Many individuals with PPS suffer from joint pain and breathing issues due to weakened muscles.

When to Seek Medical Attention

As we have discussed the signs and symptoms of polio, now we are going to talk about when to see a doctor. Recognizing warning signs and seeking medical help can prevent complications.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Help

High fever, difficulty breathing, limb weakness, and severe pain are critical symptoms requiring urgent care.

Importance of Early Intervention in Preventing Complications

Timely medical intervention can help manage symptoms, reduce complications, and prevent paralysis.

How to Prevent Polio?

After knowing the signs and symptoms of polio, you should also learn how to prevent polio. Polio is preventable, and vaccination is the most effective way to eliminate the disease.

Importance of Polio Vaccination

India’s Pulse Polio Immunization Program has been highly successful in preventing polio. Children must receive all doses to stay protected.

Hygiene and Sanitation Practices

Maintaining proper hygiene, washing hands, and consuming clean water can prevent the spread of the virus.

Global Efforts and Awareness Programs

WHO and other organizations continue to run awareness programs to prevent polio. Public participation in vaccination drives is crucial.

Get the Best Polio Treatment in India – We Are Here for You!

If you or your loved one is suffering from polio or any locomotor deformity, help is available! At Polio & Deformity Correction Centre (PDCC), Bhola Hospital, we specialize in transforming lives by providing advanced treatment for polio, cerebral palsy, and other musculoskeletal deformities.

Located in the heart of the holy city of Kurukshetra, our hospital has been a beacon of hope for patients for over 35 years. Led by Dr. Suresh Bhola, an expert orthopedic surgeon specializing in Ilizarov techniques and hexapod (SUV) deformity correction, our team is committed to helping patients regain mobility and confidence. At PDCC, Bhola Hospital, we provide:-

• Advanced polio treatment and deformity correction
• Expert care for children and adults with locomotor issues
• Specialized treatment for cerebral palsy, CTEV, congenital limb deformities & more
• Fixator Assisted HTO for osteoarthritis of the knee

Your recovery and well-being are our priority! Don’t let polio or any deformity hold you back—take the first step towards a better life today.

Visit us in Kurukshetra, Haryana or contact us for expert consultation. Let’s work together to bring back your smile! 

Conclusion

Polio remains a serious disease, but awareness and vaccination can keep it under control. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of polio is essential for timely medical intervention. 

With India’s strong immunization efforts, polio has been eliminated, but continued vigilance is necessary. Encouraging polio vaccination and spreading awareness can help protect future generations from this devastating disease. Let’s all do our part in ensuring a polio-free world!

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