Infantile Paralysis vs. Polio

Attribute	Infantile Paralysis	Polio
Cause	Caused by the poliovirus	Caused by the poliovirus
Symptoms	Includes muscle weakness and paralysis	Includes muscle weakness and paralysis
Historical Name	Commonly known as Infantile Paralysis	Commonly known as Polio
Prevention	Preventable through vaccination	Preventable through vaccination

Introduction

Infantile paralysis and polio are two terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to the same disease. However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand. In this article, we will compare the attributes of infantile paralysis and polio to shed light on their similarities and differences.

Definition

Infantile paralysis is a term that was commonly used in the past to describe a condition that caused muscle weakness or paralysis in children. It was later discovered that infantile paralysis was actually caused by the poliovirus, leading to the term polio being used to describe the disease. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can lead to paralysis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of infantile paralysis and polio are very similar, as they are both caused by the same virus. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, the virus can lead to paralysis, which is why the disease was originally referred to as infantile paralysis.

Transmission

Both infantile paralysis and polio are transmitted through contact with infected feces or respiratory secretions. The virus can be spread through contaminated food or water, making it highly contagious. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices can contribute to the spread of the virus, which is why polio was once a widespread epidemic in many parts of the world.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing infantile paralysis and polio typically involves a physical examination, as well as laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the poliovirus. Blood tests and throat swabs can be used to detect the virus in the body. In some cases, a spinal tap may be necessary to collect cerebrospinal fluid for testing.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for infantile paralysis or polio, as the disease is caused by a virus. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care to help the patient recover. This may include bed rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and in severe cases, the use of a ventilator to help with breathing.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent infantile paralysis and polio is through vaccination. The polio vaccine has been highly successful in reducing the number of cases of the disease worldwide. Routine vaccination of children is recommended to protect against polio and prevent outbreaks of the virus.

Complications

Complications of infantile paralysis and polio can be severe, especially in cases where paralysis occurs. Long-term complications can include muscle weakness, joint deformities, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the virus can also affect the central nervous system, leading to problems with speech, swallowing, and bladder control.

Global Impact

Polio was once a global epidemic that affected millions of people around the world. Thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, the number of polio cases has decreased significantly in recent years. However, the disease is still present in some parts of the world, and efforts are ongoing to eradicate polio completely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, infantile paralysis and polio are two terms that are used to describe the same disease caused by the poliovirus. While the terms may be used interchangeably, it is important to understand the similarities and differences between the two. By understanding the attributes of infantile paralysis and polio, we can better prevent and manage this potentially devastating disease.