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WHAT IS POST POLIO SYNDROME

Post Polio Syndrome is a poorly understood condition that can affect people who have had polio in the past.

Polio is a viral infection that used to be common in the UK, but is now rare.

Most people who had Polio would have fought off the infection without even realising they were infected.

Some people with Polio would have had paralysis, muscle weakness and shrinking of the muscles. But usually, these problems would have either gone away over the following weeks or months, or remained the same for years afterwards.

Post Polio Syndrome is where some of these symptoms return or get worse many years or decades after the original polio infection.

SYMPTOMS OF POST POLIO SYNDROME

Post Polio Syndrome can include a wide range of symptoms that develop gradually over time, including:

persistent fatigue (extreme tiredness)
muscle weakness
shrinking muscles
muscle and joint pain
sleep apnoea

The condition can have a significant impact on everyday life, making it very difficult to get around and carry out certain tasks and activities. The symptoms tend to get gradually worse over many years, but this happens very slowly and treatment may help slow it down further.

Post Polio Syndrome is rarely life-threatening, although some people develop breathing and swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious problems, such as chest infections.

WHO'S AFFECTED

Post Polio Syndrome only affects people who've had polio. It usually develops 15 to 40 years after the infection.

The condition has become more common in the UK in recent years, because of the high number of Polio cases that occurred during the 1940s and 1950s, before routine vaccination was introduced. It's estimated that there are around 120,000 people living in the UK who survived Polio when they were younger. Some of these have, or will develop, Post Polio Syndrome.

It's not known exactly how many Polio survivors are or will be affected by Post Polio Syndrome. Estimates vary from as low as 15% to as high as 80%.

WHAT CAUSES POST-POLIO SYNDROME?

The exact cause of post Polio Syndrome is unclear. It's not known whether anything can be done to prevent it.

The leading theory is that it's the result of the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (motor neurones) that were damaged by the Polio virus. This would explain why the condition can take years to appear.

Post Polio Syndrome isn't contagious. The theory that the Polio virus may lie dormant in your body, causing Post Polio Syndrome when it becomes reactivated at a later stage, has been disproven.

It's not clear why only some people who've had polio develop Post Polio Syndrome. Those who had severe Polio when they were younger may be more likely to develop the condition.

Contacts us: 0800 043 1935
Email us: info@britishpolio.org.uk

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The British Polio Fellowship

Sep 61 min read

BPF Finance Manager Dawn Grafetsberger to retire

We announce today that the British Polio Fellowship (BPF) Finance Manager, Dawn Grafetsberger has made the decision to retire from the charity after 13 years in the role.

Dawn originally joined the Fellowship as a temporary Finance Manager in September 2011. By April 2012, she was offered a full-time role. Then later in 2017, Dawn was asked to also take on the role of Office Manager.

Kripen Dhrona said: “The BPF would like to pay tribute to Dawn’s contribution to the Fellowship. She has had a long and distinguished 13-year career at the BPF and seen a lot of change. We are grateful for her significant contribution over many years.”

The Fellowship has begun a formal process to find a replacement. Dawn will continue as Finance and Office Manager until the end of September.

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2 Comments

gerryskippy

Sep 24

Enjoy your retirement Dawn....thanks for your service over the years 😎 Gerry

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foundationconcept

Sep 20

Dear Dawn,

As you step into this well-earned chapter of retirement, we want to take a moment to celebrate your many years of dedicated service to the British Polio Fellowship. Your contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary, and the impact you've made on countless lives is a testament to your commitment, compassion, and tireless efforts.

For years, you have been a guiding light, offering support, hope, and strength to those affected by polio. Your work has not only brought comfort and care but has also inspired both your colleagues and the wider community. The legacy of your service will continue to resonate in the hearts of those whose lives you’ve touched.

As you embrace this new journey, may it…

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