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Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome

Home > Illnesses and Disabilities Home > Types of Illnesses & Disabilities > Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome

Polio is caused by a virus that spreads in human waste. People can get polio from contaminated food and water and from close contact with people who have polio. The virus attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Today, polio is a rare disease in the United States and most countries thanks to the polio vaccine. But, people who have had polio can develop post-polio syndrome.

Symptoms of post-polio syndrome include:

• new weakening in muscles that were affected by the polio infection when you first got it
• tiredness
• joint pain

There is no way to prevent or cure post-polio syndrome. But the polio vaccine, also called IPV, can protect children today from ever getting the virus.

If you have post-polio syndrome, you might need to make lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms. Pace your activity level throughout the day. Overuse or misuse of muscles and joints can lead to pain, weakness, and fatigue. Certain types of physical activity can help maintain function. Work with an experienced doctor or physical therapist to find physical activities that are right for you. Also, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, not smoking, and taking certain anti-inflammatory medicines may help some of the symptoms of post-polio syndrome.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.     Polio Vaccine (IPV) - What You Need to Know - This publication provides recommendations for the use of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). This vaccine is commonly use for polio. There is also discussion of possible side effects and other concerns about the vaccine.

   http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-IPV.pdf

2.   Post-Polio Syndrome Fact Sheet - This publication explains Post-Polio syndrome, its treatment, prognosis, research, and lists resources for additional information.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/post_polio/detail_post_polio.htm

3. Information about the Late Effects of Polio (Copyright © PHI) - This publication about post-polio syndrome contains information that is targeted toward polio survivors, their friends and family, and health professionals.

   http://www.post-polio.org/edu/pabout.html

Organizations

1.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HHS
2.   National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS
3. Post-Polio Health International
4. Vaccine Information for the Public and Health Professionals
5. World Health Organization

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated May 15, 2008.