It's World Polio Day, 24 October, and people in the UK and across the world are encouraged to be vaccinated against polio and ensure the eradication of this highly infectious virus.
The British Polio Fellowship has been supporting polio survivors for over 85 years and knows only too well the impact polio has had on those living with its life-long effects.
“The question should not be, Why don’t you get vaccinated? but rather, Why would you risk contracting polio?” explained Kripen Dhrona, Chief Executive at The British Polio Fellowship.
“The polio virus can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. It isn’t just feeling ill for a few days with flu-like symptoms. Polio can result in life-long health issues, or much worse.
“Some people might think it’s eradicated in the UK, so they’re safe. I don’t wish to alarm anyone but until it is eradicated worldwide, there is the risk that it could return to the UK. You may remember a few years ago, traces of the polio virus were found in North London.
Thankfully the virus was contained but like Covid-19, it is highly contagious and can spread quickly.”
Dhrona explained why having the polio vaccine would prevent individuals having to live with the consequences of contracting this life-changing virus.
Contracting polio
The poliovirus targets the nervous system, which relies on tiny cells called neurons to send messages through the spinal cord between the brain and the body's nerves. Different types of neurons perform different functions. The motor neurons, which are affected by polio, transmit signals from the brain to control muscle movement. They regulate essential bodily functions like breathing, digestion, and heartbeat. In severe cases, polio can lead to rapid and complete paralysis.
After the initial poliovirus infection, individuals are often left with lifelong complications, including weakened or paralyzed muscles, as well as difficulties with mobility, breathing, skeletal development, swallowing, speaking, and sleep.
Life After Polio
As polio survivors recover and attempt to live their lives despite any disabilities, they may encounter the long-term effects of polio. These issues tend to appear and worsen over time, including:
· Joint deterioration
· Overuse injuries in stronger areas
· Increased pain
· Neuromuscular fatigue
· Sleep-disordered breathing
· Gait disturbances
· Respiratory infections
· Osteoporosis
· Falls and fractures
· Increased risk of developing:
· Diabetes
· Cardiovascular problems
· Respiratory complications
New Problems Decades Later
Many polio survivors, by their 40s, begin to develop Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS). Over time, healthy motor neurons and muscles that have been overworked start to weaken. Around 60% of polio survivors experience new muscle weakness or atrophy, resulting in new or worsening symptoms like neuromuscular fatigue, mobility loss, and increased pain, even in areas that seemed unaffected by the original infection or had recovered.
Dhrona explained, “The British Polio Fellowship estimate there are well over 50,000 polio survivors living in the UK today. Many of these contracted the virus during polio epidemics between the 1930s and 1962, but there is a growing community of young people who contracted polio abroad. Most of these polio survivors are now living with the late effects of polio and post-polio syndrome.
“Some polio survivors originally had mild symptoms. Others needed leg braces, callipers, or even an iron lung. For these groups, the reemergence of polio-related symptoms can be difficult to accept.
“With this knowledge, I would urge people to be vaccinated. It isn’t a new vaccine, it has been used for years, protecting people since 1962. I had it as a child. Please don’t risk contracting polio, especially if you hope to travel abroad during your lifetime.”
Comentarios