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Polio

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Polio

Polio is a viral infection that has not been seen in the UK since the mid-80s. However, polio is still a significant problem in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. There is also a risk of infection in some Middle Eastern countries and other parts of Africa.

Polio can spread through coughing and sneezing of an infected person. Also,  coming into contact with the faeces of an infected person or food and water that has been contaminated with infected faeces can enable the disease to spread. Therefore, it is important to follow good hygiene practices.

If the virus gets into your mouth, it begins to multiply once it reaches your throat and bowels. In cases where the virus reaches the bloodstream, it can spread to the nerves.

Symptoms

Many people will combat the infection without realising they have contracted the virus as most people will not show any symptoms.

 

However, a small number of people will experience flu-like symptoms that appear between 3-21 days after infection and will usually dissipate within a week.

 

Symptoms can include:

  • a headache
  • a sore throat
  • tummy pain
  • muscle aches
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • a high temperature (38C or above)

 

In rare circumstances, the polio virus can affect the nerves in the spine and base of the brain, which can cause paralysis. The paralysis is not usually permanent but occasionally long-term issues can occur. If the muscles that control breathing are affected, the polio virus can be fatal.

Treatment

 

There is currently no cure for polio. Therefore, treatment is often focused on supporting the functionality of the body and reducing the risk of long-term issues. This may include:

  • hospital bed rest
  • painkillers
  • stretches that exercise the joints and muscles
  • breathing support

 

Prevention and Vaccination

 

The poliovirus used to be widespread within the UK, but due to vaccination, it has essentially been eliminated. There is also no longer any risk of contracting the virus through vaccination as it now contains an inactive version of the virus.

 

The poliovirus vaccination is included in the NHS childhood vaccination schedule. However, if you have not been completely vaccinated and are planning on travelling to a country where polio is widespread, vaccination is highly recommended. Additionally, if you are planning to travel and you have not been vaccinated for 10 years or more, you should have a booster dose administered. This should take place ideally two weeks before departure, but can be given up to a day before.

 

In early 2014, there was a worldwide increase in cases of polio. As a result, the WHO (World Health Organization) extended further travel recommendations for travellers visiting high-risk countries. As of July 2018, these recommendations are still in place. If you have not had a booster in the past 12 months, you may be advised to get one depending on where you will be travelling, what you will be doing and how long you will be staying. Proof of vaccination may be required in high-risk countries before you will be permitted to travel further.

 

During your consultation, Ahmeys travel health practitioners will undertake a travel risk assessment based on your itinerary and travel plans. Our expert practitioners are also well placed to discuss and assess the risks versus the benefits of vaccination of those who are pregnant or who suffer from certain allergies. Our aim is for you to leave your consultation feeling confident and fully informed.

Faheem Ahmed

Have Questions?

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Either give us a call on 01865 689 149 or book online.

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Book a Consultation

Providing NHS services

How to Find Us

Visit us at:
158 Oxford Road
Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2LA
Contact us at:
[email protected]
01865 689 149

Join over 1000's of patients who choose Ahmey's

Jackie Nakate
Jackie Nakate
2021-08-14
professional and lovely staff. The staff was super helpful and also called just to make sure I got my results without any mistakes.
Dimitris Kolokouris
Dimitris Kolokouris
2021-07-18
Went for a fit to fly PCR test. The staff were incredibly polite and helpful. They took special care to get my flight credentials correct and had my test result to me within less than a day. They guarantee to get your result the next day (even over weekends). Overall good service, I would recommend.
Margherita Davoli
Margherita Davoli
2021-06-22
I went today for a covid rapid- antigen test for travelling. Excellent service, they also gave me a pdf with the certificate for travelling, both paper and via email.
Elena Razzano
Elena Razzano
2021-05-27
I went to the clinic for a Covid Swab test: the nurse has been very professional and careful, the service has been perfect, fast and the certificate compliant for the fit to fly. I highly recommend this service and I will definitely use it again.
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
2021-05-25
Very good service, just did a PCR test for travelling. Helpful, on time and easy.
Susanne Mecklenburg
Susanne Mecklenburg
2021-05-24
Super service, competent, friendly, quick turn around of the results - really helpful. I can recommend it!
Michael Chipeta
Michael Chipeta
2021-02-04
Had Covid-19 fit to fly test. Results came promptly, in record time. Impressed with the service.
Shengpan Zhang
Shengpan Zhang
2021-01-24
Excellent service, very friendly and reliable
Kan Li
Kan Li
2021-01-19
Excellent people to work with! Great service, prompt communication, flexible schedule, and very reasonable price. 100/100 recommend for all kinds of fit-for-travel testing.