Polio

Poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. Polio is highly contagious and can spread from person to person typically through faeces or oral routes. Less frequently, it is also transmitted by a common vehicle like contaminated water or food, from where it keeps growing in the intestine. It attacks the nervous system and slowly causes paralysis. Children under the age group of 5 years remain at the highest risk of contracting the disease. Diagnosis of polio includes detecting the virus in the faecal matter of the infected person or finding antibodies against it in the blood. Know more about diseases.

Polio is caused by the poliovirus. The virus enters the respiratory system and digestive system through the mouth or nose and then it multiplies in the throat and intestine. Then it slowly enters the bloodstream and attacks the nervous system.

Polio has three main strains- Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. While Type 2 and Type 3 are completely eradicated, Type 1 still affects some countries.

In many parts of the world, the live poliovirus vaccine and the oral live virus are still used, which rarely cause polio. In the United States and many other parts, the live virus vaccine and oral shots are no longer used, and instead, an inactivated vaccine is used which does not leave the chance of causing polio.

Let’s learn about the symptoms of polio. If you see anyone around you displaying these symptoms, raise a warning flag and ask them to get checked up as soon as possible. Some of the common symptoms are-

• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Meningitis
• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting

Any person affected with the poliovirus with non-paralytic polio reflects symptoms between 1 to 10 days. Previous case data shows that 1% of the cases develop into paralytic polio that further damages the nervous system and leads to further damage to the spinal cord and brain system. Paralytic polio further includes the symptoms of-

• Muscle pain
• Limb deformity
• Loss of reflexes
• Sudden onset of paralysis

Further intensification of the disease can affect the breathing system and choke a person to death. This is the reason why polio is considered a serious threat. A person previously affected with polio remains at the risk of catching polio again. It is called post-polio syndrome.

If you feel like displaying symptoms of polio, contact healthcare at the earliest. The healthcare provider will ask you about the symptoms and your recent travel history. Polio has symptoms quite similar to flu, hence the healthcare will prescribe you to undertake some tests in order to confirm the disease.

The tests include taking a small sample of-

• Cerebrospinal fluid (liquid around the brain and spinal cord)
• Saliva from your throat
• Stool (poop)

They will then test the samples to check if traces of poliovirus is present or not. If you are unfortunately diagnosed with polio, you will have to stay under certain care, since no treatment is available against polio.

The care includes-

• Taking more fluids (such as water, juice and broth)
• Heating to soothe the muscles
• Staying under medications that relax the muscles, also called antispasmodic drugs
• Taking pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Practising regular physical therapy and exercises to help protect the muscles
• Taking a good rest
• Taking support of mechanical ventilation, or a machine that helps you breathe, if required

The best preventive measure against polio is taking the four vaccine shots against polio in the arms or legs.

The inactivated polio vaccine used in the United States is extremely effective and does not run the risk of causing polio. The recommended schedule of taking the vaccine shots for children are-

• First shot within the first 2 months of birth
• Second shot when 4 months old
• Third shot between 16 to 18 months.
• A “booster” shot when 4 to 6 years old, for an extra dose of protection

However, if you did not take your polio shots in childhood, get them at the earliest.

• First shot at any time
• Second shot after a month or two
• Final shot after six to twelve months from the second dose

If your polio shot was discontinued during childhood due to any circumstance, try to complete the remaining shots as early as possible.

Polio is a terminal disease and it cannot be treated. Doctors can utmostly prescribe painkillers and antibiotics or regular physical exercise to alleviate the pain and manage the symptoms. Polio is mostly diagnosed during the early years of life, i.e., before 5 years of age. Diagnosis of polio in adults is extremely rare, hence polio is categorised as a pre-existing condition.

Having health insurance for polio is beneficial since the plans offer a wide range of features to help you with the cost of treatment and regular checkups. The benefits of having health insurance include-

• A critical Illness Benefit:

  A guaranteed payout of up to INR 1 crore on getting diagnosed with any of the 34 critical illnesses.

• Protection For You:

  High coverage is available at affordable rates which in turn secures your family’s future financially.

• Protection Against Disability:

  In case of disability due to an accident, the policy continues without having to pay any premium.

• 100% Benefit of Payout:

  If diagnosed with a terminal disease, the complete sum assured is paid out.

• Accidental Death Benefit:

  If you meet with an accident and unfortunately expire, your nominee will receive the complete sum assured.

• Tax Benefits:

  You will be able to save a lot through tax exemptions under the 80C and 80D of the tax laws.

A health insurance policy for Polio generally includes the following. It is, however, suggested that you go through the policy documents before arriving at a conclusion:-

1. The expenses incurred for the medical treatment of polio are covered up to the specified limit
2. Pre-hospitalisation expenses are also covered
3. The doctor’s fee during, before, and after the hospitalisation is also covered
4. Diagnostic tests are covered in plan
5. Room and ICU charges are covered

The following conditions are not covered:

1. Pre-existing polio disease is covered only after the waiting period is over
2. Self-inflicted injuries are not covered under these health plans
3. Health plans do not cover hospitalisation caused due to war
4. Cosmetic surgeries are not covered under such policies
5. Sexually or venereal transmitted diseases are not covered.