Any additional infections are treated with antibiotics. People who have damage to their nerve cells need to have their symptoms treated. In this case, a urinary catheter can be inserted into the bladder to drain urine. In cases of paralysis, physical therapy can help prevent muscle damage while the disease is active. Once the virus is no longer active, physical therapy can help keep the muscles functioning.
All medications have side effects.
Antibiotics and pain medications have some side effects, such as stomach upset or allergic reactions . Treatments to help with breathing or urination may cause infections. After the poliovirus is treated, the person will still need physical therapy to gain strength and mobility. After many years, new nerve cells can begin to fail, resulting in muscle weakness. This is known as postpolio syndrome .