Polio immunization is a vaccine that protects against poliomyelitis. It is given in a series of four shots, starting at two months of age. Adults who missed doses as youths should complete the series. Pregnant women should delay vaccination if possible. Side effects are usually mild. Allergic reactions are rare but can be serious. Those […]
Polio epidemics were first identified in 1894 in Vermont, and in 1916, the virus affected at least 9,000 people in New York City. The worst year for polio epidemics in the US was 1954, with 58,000 cases reported. Today, polio epidemics are most likely to occur in India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. The disease is […]
Paralytic polio is a rare but severe form of polio that attacks the central nervous system, causing paralysis and a variety of complications. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, body aches, fever, stiffness, muscle weakness, tremors, and spasms. The disease is preventable through vaccination. Paralytic polio is a severe form of polio, an infection caused […]
Polio is a viral infection that affects the brain, spine, and nervous system, causing paralysis. Vaccinations have reduced the number of cases. Famous polio survivors include FDR, Neil Young, Alan Alda, Mia Farrow, and golfer Jack Nicklaus. FDR is known for his New Deal programs during the Great Depression. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an acute […]