Some viruses -as old as our existence- have been present since the discovery of new continents until the rise and fall of great empires. One of those is named poliovirus. The oldest records of its existence date back to the 2nd century BC. In the 20th century occurred the most massive polio epidemic in history, during which the virus killed about half a million people a year, before the discovery of the vaccine in 1955. Although it mainly attacks children, new outbreaks have recently emerged in some parts of the world that also affect older people. Given its lethality, we’ll show you the symptoms of polio in adults.
About 95% of cases do not produce any symptoms. It is known as asymptomatic polio, in which the person is a carrier of the virus, being capable of infecting others. On the other hand, between 4 and 8 percent of the cases present symptoms, called symptomatic polio, within which we can make a distinction between two types: paralytic and nonparalytic polio (NPP).
Nonparalytic poliomyelitis
It is also known as abortive polio. Usually, people suffering from this disease variant don’t even suspect they have polio because it generates symptoms similar to the common flu. They typically last between 8 to 12 days. These are:
1-Fever
It is a temporary increase in body temperature in response to any disease or illness. Fever is a mechanism of self-defense of the human body against the infections given that the majority of bacteria and viruses thrive more easily to 98.6 ° F, the average body temperature. Thus, fever slows down the spread of the virus throughout the body. Nonparalytic polio produces mild but constant high temperature, between 100.4 – 102.2 ° F. Besides, fever is accompanied by sudden sweats and continuous chills.
2-Headaches
They can occur in any part of the skull, and its intensity can vary from moderate to severe. Often, it may hinder the patient, forcing him to lie down and suspend all activity. During a viral infection, headaches tend to be persistent and they are sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness. For polio, five types of headaches can occur: 1) electrical pain (cramp), 2) crushing pain (as a helmet), 3) throbbing pain (like a heartbeat), 4) dull pain (as a drill) and 5) explosive pain. Occasionally, it is accompanied by facial spasms, watery eyes, or redness of eyes.
3-Fatigue
It is a feeling of lack of energy, exhaustion, weakness, and extreme tiredness. In polio, this sensation usually lasts several weeks. Frequently, a strong desire to sleep that interferes with daily activities of the person accompanies to this symptom. Several nights of rest and proper nutrition are effective ways to reduce the effects of fatigue. However, if this symptom persists for months, they should see a doctor because it could be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome. It affects significantly the life of the patient causing a constant feeling of tiredness and discouragement. In the worst case, it can lead to depression.
4-Pain or stiffness in the back and neck
It can be located anywhere in the column; in the cervical area (where is the neck), in the dorsal area (upper back), in the lumbar region (where it is more common to injuries arising by a large amount of movement that occurs in this area) or in the sacral region (right on the sacrum, the bone that connects the spine with the lower half of the body). Generally, it is inflammatory back pain which occurs during the night, is not relieved by rest and, upon waking, often it accompanies a sense of rigidity which only decreases with exercise.
5-Pain or stiffness in the extremities
It involves any muscular and joint pain that affects arms (arm and forearm, elbow and hand) or legs (thigh, calf, knee, and foot). Although they tend to be passengers, the intensity of the pain can be from mild to moderate. Affects one or both limbs and manifests itself in a balanced or unilateral manner. At times, a sense of numbness and cramps that go down to the hands and the feet accompany them.
6-Muscle weakness
It refers to the decrease in muscle strength. Hinders the patient move his muscles in the usual manner, despite trying with all his strength. The poliovirus produces an inflammation of the spinal cord, so the connections and nerve endings of the body are affected. Now, fatigue may increase the effects of this symptom, greatly diminishing the quality of life of the patient.
7-Mild infection of the upper respiratory system
It covers the nasal cavities, trachea, larynx, and pharynx (throat). It comes with very similar symptoms of the common cold: increased production of mucus (runny nose) and inflammation of the lining of the nose (difficult breathing and causes nasal congestion). Sometimes comes with sneezing (by nose irritation ) and cough (by the increase of mucus that drips in the throat). That is why it is usual with polio patients to be diagnosed initially with the flu.
8-Pharyngitis
It is the inflammation of the mucous lining of the throat, causing discomfort, pain, or irritation in this area, which often leads to difficulties in swallowing or speaking. It also tends to produce dryness of the throat and hoarse voice. Keeping the throat moist is an effective way to reduce the effects of this symptom, so it is recommended to consume plenty of fluids and chew hard candy. It will stimulate the production of saliva, which will keep the pharynx moist.
9-Diarrhea
It is an intestinal disorder that is characterized by the increase of frequency, fluency and, often, the volume of bowel movements, accompanied by a decrease in the consistency of these. In some cases, diarrhea forms part of the symptomatic of the disease because the poliovirus reproduces in the stomach. At the same time, this symptom may cause dehydration due to the amount of fluid the body ejects. For that reason, it is essential to take plenty of water to keep adequate levels of fluids and electrolytes, critical to the proper functioning of the organs.
10-Vomiting
It is the forced expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It is common to accompany diarrhea on the symptomatic of polio, increasing the chances of the patient’s suffering dehydration. Constant nausea usually precedes vomiting, but during polio, it is not usual.
11-Paralytic Poliomyelitis
It is the most severe case of the disease. About 1 to 2 percent of those infected develop severe muscle pain and stiffness in the neck and back. One in every 200 people with polio (less than 1%) suffers an irreversible paralysis (usually of the legs). Among people with paralysis, between 5 and 10 percent die from the immobilization of the respiratory muscles that cause the virus. Its early symptoms are similar to nonparalytic polio. However, about one week appears other signs of rapid development, such as:
12-Loss of reflexes
After an initial period of viral symptoms, early signs of paralytic polio begin with loss of superficial reflexes. We identify them by giving painful stimuli or touching the skin, mucous membranes, or in the cornea of the eye. One of the most widely used tests is the plantar reflex or Babinski reflex stimulation; with a pointed object, the sole is rubbed from the heel to the toes. The toes have to reflex; if not occurs, it may be an indication of damage to the nerves.
13-Intense muscle pain or weakness
They represent a feeling of discomfort and pain throughout the body, which accompany muscle spasms. Its intensity can vary from moderate to severe. On many occasions, it is difficult for the patient to move, which causes him to spend more time in bed than out of it.
14-Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP)
It implies the decrease or loss of muscle strength of one, two, or four limbs. The muscles become soft and do not resist a passive stretch which gives place to extreme weakness and the complete loss of cutaneous and tendon reflexes. It is the latest symptom of polio, which leaves the person unable to walk or lead a normal life.
Poliovirus is spread only from person to person; It cannot infect animals. For that reason, it is considered one of the few diseases that can be eradicated. Although multiple vaccination sessions were held worldwide during the 20th century, outbreaks of the disease are still reported in areas of Africa and the Middle East. As long as there is some remnant of the virus, we are all prone to get it. Therefore, we must know how to identify it, because, although it has no cure, we can take the necessary measures to prevent its spread. That way, we will be closer and closer to a world without polio.