Polio

Daily Life of a Person with Polio

In the 1950's, a person diagnosed with polio got separated fom everyone including their friends and family. The doctors and nurses had no cure for it and just watched the disease take its course and mostly killed the patients.

While growing up with polio, not only did victims feel a lot of pain, but had difficulty growing up. Victims also could develop health problems, such as diabetes, or could acquire high blood pressure.

After some recover from polio they then get a condition calle Post-Polio Syndrome. This then gives them restrictions to growing up. This can include, arms getting weak, can work for no longer than 8 hours a day, stairs become hard to climb, and bathing regulary becomes a problem. It gets awkward to walk, and patients fall over a lot and become mild to extremely unstable. After this, most patients get operations and hip replacements. Few are lucky,and can get back to work or school after recovering.

Are there any treatments available?

Unfortunetely, there is no cure or treatment that can kill poliovirus. Although, there are treatments to prevent the virus. There are fluids and medications that can be given to you. Another is resting, usually until the fever is gone. If these treatments do not work you can receive antibiotics and breathing asistance. If unsure, go see your doctor.

Is it Life-Threatening?

If the disease is not treated at the early stages then it can be life threatening. If diagnosed with polio, there is a possibilty to recover. Many have died, and many have recovered.