TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What Causes Polio?
2. Risk Factors
3. Symptoms of Polio
4. Diagnosis of Polio
5. Research on Polio
6. Treatment for Polio
7. Complications of Polio
8. Polio Prevention
9. Get DTaP-POLIO IPV-HIB-HEP B (Hexaxim) at Home with Halodoc
10. FAQs

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Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to nerve damage, resulting in paralysis, respiratory difficulty, or even death.

Although it primarily affects children, adults are not entirely immune to the disease.

Preventive measures, particularly vaccination, remain the most effective way to avoid poliovirus exposure.

What Causes Polio?

Polio is caused by the poliovirus, which typically enters the body through the mouth or nose, then spreads through the bloodstream and attacks the nervous system.

Modes of transmission include:

• Direct contact with feces or bodily fluids of an infected person.
• Consuming contaminated food or water.
• Exposure to respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Risk Factors

Individuals at higher risk include:

• Those living in remote areas with limited access to clean running water.
• Pregnant women who are HIV-positive.
• Unvaccinated children.

Other risk-enhancing conditions include:

• Travel to areas experiencing a polio outbreak.
• Close contact with polio-infected individuals.
• Laboratory work involving poliovirus specimens.
• History of tonsillectomy.

Symptoms of Polio

Polio symptoms vary. Up to 95–99% of individuals may be asymptomatic. However, polio can be categorized into several types:

1. Non-Paralytic Polio (Abortive Polio)

Typically milder, it may present with:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Meningitis

2. Paralytic Polio

This severe form initially mimics non-paralytic symptoms. Within a week, more serious signs may appear:

• Loss of reflexes
• Severe muscle pain or cramps
• Limb weakness or floppiness
• Sudden onset paralysis (temporary or permanent)
• Lower limb deformities, particularly in the hips and ankles

3. Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS)

Polio symptoms may re-emerge 15–40 years after initial infection. Common symptoms include:

• Progressive muscle and joint weakness
• Increasing muscle pain
• General fatigue and lethargy
• Muscle atrophy
• Difficulty swallowing and breathing
• Sleep apnea
• Cold intolerance
• Depression
• Impaired concentration and memory

Diagnosis of Polio

1. Clinical Evaluation

Primarily based on:

• Acute flaccid paralysis: Sudden limb weakness without another clear cause
• Reduced or absent tendon reflexes in affected limbs

2. Laboratory Tests

• Virus Isolation: From stool, throat swabs, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Stool is the most sensitive sample.
• PCR Test: Detects poliovirus genetic material
• CSF Analysis: May reveal elevated white blood cells and protein, though not polio-specific.

Research on Polio

A study titled Poliomyelitis (2014) in The Neurohospitalist noted that geographic challenges, poor sanitation, and limited local cooperation hinder polio eradication.

The key to prevention is vaccination, which effectively halts poliovirus transmission.

Global eradication is only possible through widespread immunization coverage.

Treatment for Polio

There is currently no cure for polio, but symptoms can be managed through medical care:

1. Symptomatic Management

• Analgesics & Antipyretics: Paracetamol to relieve pain and fever
• Physiotherapy: Maintains muscle function and prevents contractures

2. Respiratory Support

Patients with respiratory muscle involvement may need ventilator support.

3. Rehabilitation

Long-term rehabilitation helps improve motor function and quality of life.

While treatment can alleviate symptoms, vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention.

If unsure about treatment options, connect with polio-care specialists via Halodoc.

Complications of Polio

Potential complications include:

• Muscle paralysis
• Motor development delays
• Post-polio syndrome (PPS)
• Secondary infections (e.g., pneumonia)
• Death

Polio Prevention

Polio is preventable through vaccination. Immunization programs using oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) have dramatically reduced polio cases worldwide.

Effective prevention includes:

• Routine immunization
• Supplemental immunization
• Expanding vaccine coverage
• Strengthened surveillance
• Community engagement

Vaccination: The Key to Protection

There are two types of polio vaccines:

• IPV: Inactivated polio vaccine, given via injection
• OPV: Oral polio vaccine, administered as oral drops

Get DTaP-POLIO IPV-HIB-HEP B (Hexaxim) at Home with Halodoc

No need to leave your home! Halodoc offers homecare vaccination services for your child’s scheduled immunizations.

Benefits of Halodoc Homecare Vaccination:

• Administered by certified vaccine specialists
• Strict health protocols
• Post-vaccine observation for side effects
• Genuine vaccines from BPOM-certified international producers
• Prices from Rp 989,000
• Family bookings and extra discounts are available
• Time and cost efficient
• No additional fees
• Free Rp 25,000 Halodoc voucher after treatment

Book now via the Halodoc app or WhatsApp: 0888-0999-9226.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Seek immediate care if polio symptoms appear, especially if unvaccinated or after travel to endemic areas.

Early diagnosis and management can help prevent serious complications.

Contact our English-speaking doctor directly from your smartphone using the Halodoc app. Doctors are available 24 hours to answer your questions.

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So, what are you waiting for? Download the Halodoc app on Play Store or App Store today!

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed in 2025. Polio.

Healthline. Accessed in 2025. Polio.

Mayo Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Polio.

The Neurohospitalist Sage Journal. Accessed in 2025. Poliomyelitis.

World Health Organization. Accessed in 2025. Polio.

WebMD. Accessed in 2025. Polio.

FAQs

1. What is Polio National Immunization Week (PIN) 2024?

PIN Polio 2024 is an Indonesian government initiative to eliminate polio via mass immunization.

• Phase 1: Jan–Mar 2024 in East Java, Central Java, and Yogyakarta (8.7 million children vaccinated)
• Phase 2: July 23–29, 2024 across 27 other provinces

Goal: Cut off poliovirus transmission and protect all Indonesian children.

2. Are there side effects of the oral polio vaccine?

OPV is highly effective and generally safe, but some mild effects may occur:

• Mild fever
• Headache (resolves in 1–2 days)
• Digestive issues: Nausea or diarrhea
• Mouth irritation or unpleasant taste

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