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| - Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A Facebook post claims that polio has been given new names, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, Bell’s palsy, acute flaccid myelitis, and transverse myelitis. Further, the polio vaccine is a live vaccine and is unsafe. We verified the claim. According to our analysis, the assertion is False.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that the term “polio” could be applied to any neurological disorder because it has never been entirely eradicated. Examples include Transverse Myelitis, Acute Flaccid Myelitis, Bell’s Palsy, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Additionally, the post claims that the polio vaccine, which is a live vaccine, has a number of adverse effects.
Fact Check
What exactly is Polio?
Polio is a disease that spreads quickly. The poliovirus is the root cause of this. Young children under the age of five are the most at risk. The condition could be paralytic or abortive. The main symptoms of a non-paralytic condition are meningitis, sore throat, headache, nausea, and fatigue. And they usually last one to ten days. It should be mentioned that less than 1% of children may experience paralysis. This is because the virus primarily attacks the breathing muscles, thereby increasing the risk of death.
Has the term ‘poliovirus infection’ been replaced?
No, the conditions of Bell’s palsy, acute flaccid myelitis, transverse myelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome are not polio. Although there may be some overlap in the symptoms, polio is a distinct condition brought on by the poliovirus. Keep in mind that each of these medical conditions is distinct and has a particular set of causes and remedies.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is considered to exist when an immune response that was initiated to address an infection causes a cross-reaction on host nerves. As a result, the peripheral nervous system’s nerves are damaged by the immune system. Microorganisms like zika virus or campylobacter induce this reaction. The signs include tingling, weakness, and numbness, which can develop into paralysis. The condition cannot be cured. However, immunoglobulin treatment and plasma exchange may promote a quick recovery. About 85% of cases are fully recovered after six months.
Bell’s palsy is the abrupt weakening of the muscles on one side of the face. The weakening gives the lower face a droopy appearance. Furthermore, the affected eye struggles to close. It can occur at any age. And the exact cause is unknown. However, CMV, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex, and herpes zoster are associated with the condition. It should be kept in mind that mild weakness usually goes away over a few weeks and is usually temporary.
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is an uncommon but serious neurological disorder. It has an impact on the neurological system, notably the gray matter in the spinal cord, which weakens the body’s muscles and reflexes. The condition is associated with enterovirus. And young children are typically affected by the illness.
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder that damages the nerve cells’ protective myelin sheath. As a result, the communication between the spinal cord nerves and the rest of the body is disrupted. Please keep in mind that both bacteria and viruses have the potential to cause this disorder. The condition is mainly characterized by discomfort, muscle weakness, bowel dysfunction, sensory problems, and even paralysis.
A social media post claims that the polio vaccine did not cause a sharp decline in polio cases. Rather the decrease in the cases was observed by stopping the use of (DDT).
Is it possible to prevent poliovirus infection?
Yes. Please be aware that there is currently no effective cure for polio. However, drinking fluids, using heat packs, taking painkillers, getting physiotherapy, and getting enough rest could all assist with the symptoms. Additionally, the illness is so contagious that even poliovirus-infected people who are asymptomatic could spread the infection. Thus, in the absence of a proven cure, the most effective preventative strategy is vaccination. Polio can only be avoided with the polio vaccine. And among these are oral vaccinations and inactivated vaccines. The vaccination often has no negative side effects. When they do, they’re usually quite mild. However, a serious adverse reaction to vaccines is quite uncommon.
THIP MEDIA TAKE: Thus, we conclude that the other four disorders are distinct disorders. And have specific causal agents. While only poliovirus is the cause of polio. However, the symptoms could overlap. Therefore, a professional diagnosis is advised. It should be made clear that polio still poses a threat even if it has been controlled in many countries. As a result, the condition demands attention in terms of earlier detection, improved environmental surveillance, and affordable vaccine choices. Henceforth, the claim is false.
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