Treatment of poliomyelitis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the poliovirus infection. Because no cure exists, the focus is on increasing comfort and preventing complications. Supportive treatments include:

• Antibiotics for the infections
• Analgesics for the pain
• Portable ventilators for the breathing problems
• Moderate exercise
• A nutritious diet

Moist heat, heating pads, and warm towels may reduce muscle pain and spasm. Physical therapy combined with braces or corrective shoes, orthopedic surgery, or similar interventions may eventually be necessary to maximize the recovery of muscle strength and function.

Prevention and immunization

There are several prevention measures of poliomyelitis and some of those are:

1. Adequate hygiene and hand washing

2. Immunization against the poliovirus: In the US, the polio vaccine is recommended to be given at the following ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months
•  between 6 and 18 months
• between 4 and 6 years

 
Two versions of the vaccine may be administered:

IPV - Inactivated Polio Vaccine

This vaccine administered by injection at all four immunization visits. Administration of the IPV cannot cause polio, and is safe for individuals with weakened immune systems.

OPV - Oral Polio Vaccine

Administered orally, OPV has been known to cause vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) in rare cases. It should not be given to a child if they have any of the following:

• weakened immune systems
• cancer
• AIDS or HIV infection
• allergies to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B
• are taking long-term steroids