Polio Vaccination
Polio (Poliomyelitis) is a viral illness that can be life-threatening and has the potential to cause long-lasting nerve damage resulting in paralysis of the limbs and respiratory muscles. It has been greatly reduced over the hundred years; however, it remains a concern in specific regions and poses a significant risk to children.
Travel Vaccinations
Per Dose
Course
Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Polio
£49 per dose
1 Dose
Prevention
Polio does not have a cure; it can be prevented instead. The Td/IPV vaccine is included in the routine childhood immunization schedule in the UK and travellers visiting high-risk regions may receive a single shot as advised.
Countries at Risk
Polio is a health issue in many parts of Central Africa and specific regions in Asia such as Southeast Asia and the East and Central regions of the continent. The three countries where Polio has persisted are Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Travel Precautions
Poor sanitation contributes greatly to the transmission of Polio. The highly infectious disease spread through contaminated food and water sources. While travelling, make sure to drink from sealed bottles or water sources that have been purified with filters, tablets, or boiled. Stay away, from ice from unknown sources. Avoid eating raw food. Choose fruits that you can peel on your own. Make sure that hot meals are cooked fresh and served piping hot. Remember to maintain hygiene by washing your hands regularly like frequently washing your hand to stay safe and healthy on the go.
Signs and Symptoms
Polio is very contagious however signs usually do not manifest until 20 days. Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea, tiredness, chest discomfort and neck stiffness. In some instances (approximately 1 in every 200 cases) the individual may end up with lasting paralysis. It typically affects the legs. Within this minority group of cases 5 to 10 percent could face death due to the paralysis of their respiratory muscles.