This serious infectious disease, now rare thanks to vaccination, remains a threat in some areas of the world. Knowing it is the first step to continue preventing it effectively
There poliooften called simply polioit is a highly contagious disease that little today is spoken, especially in countries where vaccination is mandatory and widespread. Still, just a few tens of years ago, it was very afraid. This disease, in fact, which affects above all children, in some cases can cause permanent paralysis.
But what exactly is poliomielite? Does it still represent a risk? And how can we protect our children? In this article we simply explain the characteristics of this disease, how it is transmitted and what is the fundamental role of the vaccine in contrasting it.
The Polomielite virus
Poliomielite is caused by a virus, called Poliovirusbelonging to the family of Enteroviruswhich include different viruses capable of infecting the intestine. There are three main types (type 1, 2 and 3).
The virus enters the body orally and multiplies into the intestine. In many cases it does not give particular symptoms, but in some people he manages to reach the central nervous system and damage the neurons that control the muscles, causing his most feared effects.
Poliomielite: how does the contagion do?
Today, Poliomielite mainly affects i children under the age of 5 who live in countries with poor infrastructure as regards water and poor hygienic-sanitary levels. Although it is extremely rare outside these areas, Poliomielite represents a risk for populations with low vaccination covers, even in industrialized countries. This is why it is still very important to know How poliomielite is contracting.
The virus is highly contagious, it is transmitted above all for Via Oro-Fecalewhich means that it can go from one person to another through contact with dirty hands, water or contaminated foods. Small children are the most exposed, because they often put their hands or objects in the mouth and because, in countries where hygiene is not guaranteed, the virus can circulate more easily. In some cases, the virus can also spread with respiratory secretions such as saliva and droplets emitted with coughing and sneezing by sick subjects.
An important aspect to know is that an infected person can transmit the virus even if it has no symptoms: this makes polio a disease difficult to control, especially in the areas where vaccination is not widespread.
Polomielite symptoms
In most cases (about the 70-95%), Poliomielite is asymptomatic Or it generates only a few symptoms: the virus infected the intestine, but does not give evident signs. Sometimes mild symptoms can appear, similar to those of an influence, namely:
- fever;
- tiredness;
- vomit;
- sore throat;
- heachache;
- nausea;
- muscle pain.
In some cases, a rigidity of the neck or general malaise may occur. Symptoms generally resolve between two and 10 days completely.
More serious consequences occur when the virus manages to attack the nervous system. In a small percentage of cases (around 1%), the poliomielite invades the central nervous system by destroying the cells that innervate the muscles (called Motoneuroni) and can cause acute paralysis, that is, a sudden loss of strength in one or more muscles, often to a single limb. In general, the pathology has more devastating effects on the muscles of the legs than on those of the arms. The legs lose muscle tone and become flaccid, a condition known as flaccid paralysis.
Consequences of poliomielite
The consequences of polio can be very different from person to person. In the paralytic form, the damage to the nerves can lead to:
- permanent paralysis of one or more limbs;
- musculoskeletal deformities;
- chronic pains;
- difficulties in movements and in everyday life;
- osteoporosis and fractures.
This type of paralysis can become permanent. In the most serious cases of poliomielite, the cranial nerves appointed to swallow, the word and breathing can be affected; In these cases, the disease can also be lethal.
In the past, Poliomielite has hardly struck many children, forcing them to the use of guardians, crutches or wheelchairs, and in some cases making them dependent on assistance for life.
Then there is a condition called Post-poil syndromewho may appear years or decades after the infection: even those who seemed to have resumed can develop chronic fatigue, pain and muscle weakness. This syndrome is rare, but described in many patients who have had the paralytic form.
How does Polomielite take care of?
Unfortunately, there is no one treatment specific for the polio. As with many viral diseases, therapy is only supported. Symptoms can be treated, prevent complications and help the recovery of motor functions, but the virus cannot be eliminated once it has hit the nervous system.
In the case of paralysis, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and, sometimes, the use of aids for mobility are fundamental. In the most serious cases, when the respiratory muscles are compromised, ventilatory support may be necessary.
How to take care of Poliomielite therefore? The only valid answer is: the prevention. The vaccine is the only way to avoid the potential consequences of the virus.
Poliomielite in Italy
Thanks to the mass vaccination, thelast cases of polio in Italy dates back to 1982. Since then, the virus no longer circulates in our country. However, as long as there is one Polio epidemic In other parts of the world, the risk of reintroduction cannot be excluded. For this reason, the vaccination against Poliomielite is still mandatory, very important and included in the vaccination calendar.
Anti -Poli -Sielite vaccine
The vaccine, as mentioned, is the only way to prevent polomielite. There are two different types of vaccines: the “inactivated” one, said Salk vaccine (IPV vaccine), to be administered with intramuscle injectionand the “alive attenuated” one said of Sabin (OPV), to be administered for oral. The Sabin vaccine, administered until recent years also in Italy, has made it possible to eradicate polio in Europe.
In Italy the anti -polio vaccine is mandatory. Since 2002 the inactivated vaccine (IPV) has been used, since it does not cause rare serious side effects possible for the Sabin vaccine, and still guarantees excellent protection. The antipolium vaccine is administered in the first months of life, not alone but within the hexavalent vaccinewhich also protects from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae of type B and hepatitis B.
For lasting coverage, in addition to the first administration there is a call of the anti -polite vaccine in association with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. In detail, the vaccination calendar provides:
- first dose at 3 months;
- second dose at 5 months;
- third dose at 11-13 months;
- Calls at 5-6 years and 12-16 years.
After the primary cycle in the first year of life, the protection is very high and lasting. In some cases (for example, for those traveling in risk areas), a further call can be recommended in adulthood.
Is Poliomielite vaccine dangerous? No, the vaccination that is proposed in Italy is Safe and well tolerated. In fact, the antipolio vaccine causes a few side effects. Mild symptoms such as fever or pain can be manifested at the seat of injection. The benefits, on the other hand, are enormous: thanks to the mass vaccination, the World Health Organization has managed to eliminate polio from almost the whole planet.
Even if today Poliomielite may seem like a disease of the past, it is important not to lower the guard. The virus still exists in some parts of the world and could return to circular if we stopped vaccinating. Fortunately we have a safe and effective vaccine, which protects not only our children but also the community.
Talking about poliomielite means remembering how important medical progress has been and how essential prevention is still essential. Knowing this disease, and knowing how to avoid it is the first step to continue keeping it away.
