Can i get polio

Adults in these three groups who have never been vaccinated against polio should get 3 doses of IPV:. Adults in these three groups who have had 1 or 2 doses of polio vaccine in the past should get the remaining 1 or 2 doses. Adults who are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus and who have previously completed a routine series of polio vaccine IPV or OPV can receive one lifetime booster dose of IPV.

Top of Page. This decision was also based on the decreased risk of wild poliovirus being brought into the country and because the U. Inactivated poliovirus vaccine IPV , which is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the United States since , protects almost all children 99 out of who get all the recommended doses.

For best protection, children should get four doses of polio vaccine. With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. Some people who get IPV get a sore spot where the shot was given.

IPV has not been known to cause serious problems, and most people do not have any problems with it. As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a serious injury or death. An infected person can have the virus in their throat for 1—2 weeks, and in their poop for up to 6 weeks or longer.

Even someone who has no symptoms can pass the virus to other people. There is no cure for polio, only treatments to manage symptoms. Mild cases usually are treated with plenty of fluids and bed rest. Someone who has muscle pain or weakness will get medicine to treat the pain, and physical therapy to keep the muscles moving. If their breathing muscles are affected, they might need help from a mechanical ventilator breathing machine. The ventilator moves air in and out of the lungs until the person can do it on their own.

People who have milder polio symptoms usually make a full recovery within 1—2 weeks. People whose symptoms are more severe can be weak or paralyzed for life, and some may die.

After recovery, a few people might develop "post-polio syndrome" as long as 30—40 years after their initial illness. Over time, they develop pain or weakness in their muscles or joints, and might feel very tired.

Polio is a preventable disease. The best way to protect children is to make sure they get a polio vaccine.

The vaccine makes the infection-fighting immune system create antibodies against the virus. The antibodies will fight the virus if it ever enters the body. In the U. Using IPV eliminates the small risk of developing polio after receiving the live oral polio vaccine. OPV doses given before April can count toward a child's U.

Doses given after that will not count. Side effects include fever and redness or soreness at the injection site. There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction with any vaccine. Note: When making an appointment with Public Health, you will be offered a text message reminder through the ImmunizeBC text message reminder system.

Health topics. Diseases and immunizations. Polio is an infection that affects the nerve cells in the spinal cord. What is polio? How is polio spread? What are the symptoms of polio? Most people infected with polio show no symptoms. If symptoms happen they can include: Headache Fever Sore throat Neck and back stiffness Muscle weakness and pain. What are the risks of polio disease?

Paralysis of arms and legs 1 in Death. How can I prevent getting polio?