top of page

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

Accessibility Tools

Search

Local MP visits British Polio Fellowship's head office

The British Polio Fellowship

Feb 171 min read

After being made aware of the great work done by the British Polio Fellowship (BPF), Matt Turmaine, the MP for Watford, asked to visit its head office on Monday 17 February, to gain a deeper understanding of the charity and the challenges faced by individuals affected by polio.

During his visit, Turmaine was introduced to the benefits of being a BPF member, the symptoms associated with the Late Effects of Polio and/or Post-Polio Syndrome, and the details of the Optimal Clinical Pathway developed and launched by the Fellowship in 2024.

Carol Levin, BPF Communications and Information Manager added, “We were excited to host Matt at our Head Office today. He demonstrated genuine interest in our efforts and appreciated the level of support we offer polio survivors.

“He was particularly keen to understand how polio continues to affect the polio community and offered his help in raising awareness of our cause in Westminster.

“The British Polio Fellowship has been supporting polio survivors for over 85 years. It serves as an invaluable source of guidance, offers financial assistance where needed, and provides opportunities for members of the polio community to connect and share their experiences.”

BPF's Optimal Clinical Pathway

Recent Posts

Today in 1953 Dr Jonas Salk successfully tested a polio vaccine

Today in 1953 Dr Jonas Salk successfully tested a polio vaccine

Charity supports polio community after benefit reforms

Charity supports polio community after benefit reforms

BPF launches survey to gather views from Polio Survivors

BPF launches survey to gather views from Polio Survivors

Comments

bottom of page