Polio

“Oral vaccination is sweet, polio is cruel” Under this title, a major vaccine action against polio was initiated in 1962. At that time, Germany experienced the last polio epidemic for the present time, with more than 4000 affected persons. In 2002, the World Health Organisation declared Europe to be free of polio, however polio still occurs in tropical countries and can be brought to Europe by travellers. To prevent new epidemics, vaccination of broad population strata continues to be highly important. Immunisation can be started in infants in the third month of life; a booster is given between nine and 17 years of age.

Polio often takes place without symptoms

Polio or poliomyelitis is a contagious feverish viral disorder. It can cause permanent paralysis and in the worst case, death. The viruses are taken in by mouth and excreted unharmed in the faeces. They can rapidly spread as a smear infection. What is treacherous: A healthy virus carrier is just as infectious as an acute clinical case. For polio takes place almost without major symptoms in more than 90 percent of cases. In some cases, flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and sore throat occur; some affected persons also suffer from meningitis.

Therapy of polio

Approximately one percent of infected persons is affected by severe polio. Due to the damage to the nervous system, problems range from slight negative effects on mobility to permanent paralysis of the thigh muscles. Physiotherapy and treatment with an orthotic can help affected persons to regain the greatest possible mobility and independence after the acute illness. Innovative medical-technological aids such as the made-to-measure electronically controlled orthotic joint systems E-MAG Control and E-MAG Active open up new ranges of motion and permit the highest level of safety in everyday life.

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Please note that the contents of our glossary only represent general information on health topics and that they do not replace consultation with a physician. For individual questions, therefore please consult your physician.