Frequently Asked Questions About Polio
Q: What is Polio?
A: Polio (short for poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It mostly attacks children under the age of five. The virus invades the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis (inability to move limbs) or even death.
Q: What are the symptoms of polio?
A: The initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In a small number of cases, it causes permanent paralysis, usually in the legs.
Q: Is there a cure for polio?
A: No, there is no cure for polio. It can only be prevented. Once a child is paralyzed by polio, the damage is lifelong. The only way to protect children is through repeated vaccination.
Questions About the Vaccine Q: Is the polio vaccine safe for children?
A: Yes, the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is completely safe and effective. It has been approved by global health experts and Islamic scholars worldwide. It does not cause any harm, even if a child receives it multiple times.
Q: Why do children need to be vaccinated repeatedly?
A: Every time a child receives the polio vaccine, their immunity against the virus grows stronger. Multiple doses are necessary to fully protect a child and to stop the virus from spreading inside the community.
Q: Can a sick or newborn child receive the polio drops?
A: Yes! Newborn babies and sick children actually need the vaccine even more because their immune systems are weak, making them highly vulnerable to the virus. It is completely safe to vaccinate them.
- Questions About the Eradication Programme
- Q: Why is Pakistan still vaccinating when most of the world is polio-free?
A: Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries where the wild poliovirus still survives. Until the virus is 100% eliminated here, every child in Pakistan remains at risk of catching the disease and becoming paralyzed.
Q: How does the virus spread?
A: The virus enters the body through the mouth, usually when a child consumes food or water contaminated with the stool (feces) of an infected person. Poor sanitation and hygiene help the virus spread rapidly.
Q: What should I do if the polio teams miss my house?
A: If vaccination teams miss your home during a campaign, you should immediately call the government's free Sehat Tahhafuz Helpline at 1166 to report it so a team can be sent to your doorstep.