Protect yourself against Polio (CDC.com)

  • Polio (or poliomyelitis) is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus, which can infect a person’s spinal cord, leading to paralysis.
  • Polio is transmitted through contaminated water and food or contact with an infected person.


Symptom Lists :

Most people infected with poliovirus have no symptoms, some will experience…

  • sore throat
  • fever
  • tiredness
  • nausea
  • headache
  • stomach pain.

A smaller group of people will develop more serious symptoms that affect the brain and spinal cord:

  • Paresthesia (feeling of pins and needles in the legs),
  • Meningitis (infection of the covering of the spinal cord and/or brain), or
  • Paralysis (can’t move parts of the body) or weakness in the arms, legs, or both.

*Paralysis is the most severe symptom associated with polio because it can lead to permanent disability and death.

How can I Prevent Polio?

Some adults are at higher risk and should consider polio vaccination, including:

people traveling to certain parts of the world,

laboratory workers who might handle poliovirus, and

health care workers treating patients who could have polio.


Getting Vaccinated:

  • Polio vaccine may be given as a stand-alone vaccine, or as part of a combination vaccine (a type of vaccine that combines more than one vaccine together into one shot). (Polio vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.)

Fortunately, Immunize-La makes it easy to get fully protected against Measles. Simply click the button below to set up an appointment!