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Homeopathy Treatment for Polio

Polio is a life-threatening disease caused by a virus Enterovirus C, in the family of Picornaviridae.

Polio is short for "poliomyelitis." It's a virus that spreads easily between people who aren't vaccinated. In its most severe form, it can attack on  spinal cord and brain and cause paralysis.

Symptoms of Polio

Although polio can cause paralysis and death, the majority of people who are infected with the virus don't get sick and aren't aware they've been infected.

Nonparalytic polio

Some people who develop symptoms from the poliovirus contract a type of polio that doesn't lead to paralysis (abortive polio). This usually causes the same mild, flu-like signs and symptoms typical of other viral illnesses.

Signs and symptoms, which can last up to 10 days, include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain or stiffness
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Pain or stiffness in the arms or legs
  • Muscle weakness or tenderness

Paralytic polio

This most serious form of the disease is rare. Initial signs and symptoms of paralytic polio, such as fever and headache, often mimic those of nonparalytic polio. Within a week, however, other signs and symptoms appear, including:

  • Loss of reflexes
  • Severe muscle aches or weakness 
  • Loose and floppy limbs (flaccid paralysis)

Post-polio syndrome

Post-polio syndrome is a cluster of disabling signs and symptoms that affect some people years after having polio. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Progressive muscle or joint weakness and pain
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle wasting (atrophy)
  • Breathing or swallowing problems
  • Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea
  • Decreased tolerance of cold temperatures

Causes of Polio

Poliovirus can be transmitted through direct contact with someone infected with the virus

less commonly, through contaminated food and water.

People carrying the poliovirus can spread the virus for weeks in their feces.

People who have the virus but don't have symptoms can pass the virus to others.

Risk factors

Polio mainly affects children younger than 5yrs. However, anyone who hasn't been vaccinated is at risk of developing the disease.

Complications

Paralytic polio can lead to temporary or permanent muscle paralysis, disability, bone deformities and death.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent polio is vaccination.

Polio vaccine

Most children in the United States receive four doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) at the following ages:

  • Two months
  • Four months
  • Between 6 and 18 months
  • Between ages 4 and 6 when children are just entering school

IPV is safe for people with weakened immune systems, although it's not certain just how protective the vaccine is in cases of severe immune deficiency. Common side effects are pain and redness at the injection site.

Allergic reaction to the vaccine

IPV can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Because the vaccine contains trace amounts of the antibiotics streptomycin, polymyxin B and neomycin, it shouldn't be given to anyone who's reacted to these medications.

Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction usually occur within minutes to a few hours after the shot. Watch for:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weakness
  • Hoarseness or wheezing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Hives
  • Dizziness

Homeopathic Remedies for Polio
Gelsemium
This remedy is for the paralysis, the pain at the back of the neck, the weakness, and fatigue. Gelsemium is one of the top remedies for exactly these symptoms and is often used in treating influenza – the flu.

Lathyrus sativa
The Lathyrus remedy picture looks very similar to the disease picture of polio. Lathyrus is used by homeopaths using Homeoprophylaxis for polio. Lathyrus Sativus is also used in homeopathic medicine as both an antidote to the polio virus in someone with the disease.