About this topic
Poliomyelitis is also known as polio. It is a viral infection that affects the nervous system. A virus causes this condition. It is easily transferred to some other person through close contact. ‚
People with polio may have no signs or very mild signs. They may have signs for a few weeks. Others who have polio may have problems where the spinal cord is affected. This may cause serious, long-term muscle problems. ‚
Treatment for polio focuses on relieving the signs. It will not get rid of the virus in the body. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest.
- If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your sore area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- You may need machines to help you breathe if your lung muscles were affected by the infection.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist or a rehab center, if needed.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Relieve muscle pains
- Lower fever
- Help with trouble passing urine
- Fight an infection, if needed
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activities may be limited if you are in pain. If some group of muscles were paralyzed, activities may also be limited. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Lung problems
- High blood pressure
- Urinary tract infection
- Muscle paralysis
- Skeletal deformity
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Get a polio vaccine.
- Keep a clean environment for you and your family. Disinfect your home at least once a week.
- Stay away from people who may have the infection.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have muscle pain or stiffness.
Where can I learn more?
Center for Disease Control ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/polio/about/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚