Polio is caused by any one of three types of polio virus. Its effects range from no symptoms at all to paralysis and possible death. Symptoms may include fever, tiredness, headache, nausea and vomiting, severe muscle pain and spasms, and stiffness of the neck and back, with or without weakness of one or more arms or legs. It can also be caught by eating food or drinking water contaminated by bowel movements of infected people. Prevention is possible Immunization with polio vaccine is the best way to prevent the disease.
Polio vaccine is recommended for all infants and children.
Extensive use of polio vaccine has eliminated the disease in the Western Hemisphere. It is still common in some other areas of the world. Epidemics can happen whenever there are large numbers of people who have not had the vaccine. Adults should be adequately vaccinated against polio as well. In most cases, there is little or no reaction to the vaccine.