Polio was a devastating disease in the 20th century, leaving millions of children with lifelong physical disabilities. While vaccines have nearly eradicated polio in many parts of the world, surviving the disease left many with lasting effects. Approximately 1 in 200 cases resulted in irreversible paralysis, usually in the legs, and among those paralyzed, 5–10% died when their breathing muscles became immobilized. Beyond paralysis, polio survivors often faced long-term health challenges, including mobility issues and a reduced quality of life.

The Scars of Polio

One of the most common aftereffects of polio is muscle atrophy, where muscles shrink and weaken due to nerve damage. This can lead to limb deformities, especially in the legs, making walking difficult or impossible without braces or crutches. Many polio survivors developed:

● Flaccid paralysis: The affected muscles remain weak and cannot support movement.

● Leg length discrepancies: One limb may be shorter than the other, causing an uneven gait and leading to hip and spine deformities over time.

● Contractures: Stiffening of joints due to prolonged muscle weakness, leading to permanent bending of the knees or elbows.

To address muscle atrophy, many survivors undergo corrective surgeries to regain some mobility, including tendon transfers, joint fusions, and bone lengthening. These surgeries often leave visible scars on the legs, arms, and back. In some cases, survivors require multiple operations throughout their lives to improve mobility.

The Role of Vaccination in Preventing Polio

Before the introduction of vaccines, polio was a major cause of disability in children. In the early 1950s, the United States experienced about 16,000 cases of paralytic polio annually. The development and widespread use of polio vaccines have led to a dramatic decline in cases worldwide, with a reduction of over 99% since 1988.

For parents today, ensuring that children receive their polio vaccinations is crucial to preventing the disease from spreading. Polio still exists in some parts of the world, and while it is rare in countries with immunization programs, the risk of outbreaks remains if vaccination rates decline. Parents play a crucial role in preventing polio by:

● Following the recommended vaccination schedule — The polio vaccine is typically given in multiple doses throughout early childhood.

● Understanding the continued need for vaccination — Even though polio is nearly eradicated, global travel and outbreaks in under-vaccinated communities make it necessary to keep vaccination rates high.

● Staying informed — Misinformation about vaccines can cause unnecessary fear and hesitation. Parents should rely on trusted medical sources and healthcare professionals for accurate information about the safety and necessity of polio immunization.

Aiming for a Future Without Polio

Polio was a disease that had a devastating impact on children, leaving them with mobility issues that often required surgical treatment. Today, thanks to vaccines, parents no longer have to fear polio’s effects on their children. However, protection only lasts if vaccination rates remain high. Polio hasn’t been officially eradicated everywhere, and a single case can spread quickly in communities where immunization levels have dropped. That’s why ensuring children receive their full polio vaccine series is crucial.

If you have questions, ask your doctor so they can provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding vaccines.

Sources:

CDC: Polio Vaccination

CDC: About Polio in the United States

Mayo Clinic: Post-polio syndrome

Tennessee is being hit hard by a surge in flu cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting the state’s activity as “very high.” The Tennessee Department of Health has reported the first flu-related child death of the season, and school districts, including McMinn, Polk, and Rhea Counties, have had to close temporarily because of widespread illness. As a parent, this can be concerning. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about the tools and steps available to help protect your child from the flu.

Understanding the Flu and How It Spreads

The flu can easily spread from one person to another and usually spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with people who are already infected. In most cases, you get a headache, fever, and overall feel pretty bad. But it can get even worse than that. If not treated properly, it can lead to severe illness, especially in young children.

One challenge in preventing the flu is that people can spread the virus before they realize they are sick. This means schools, workplaces, and crowded public areas can quickly become hotspots for flu transmission. As we’re seeing, cases in schools can spread rapidly, depending on whether students have been vaccinated.

Preventing the Spread of the Flu

The best thing to do to help prevent the spread of the flu is to get vaccinated. No amount of hand soap — though still important — can match the effectiveness of a flu shot, which not only lowers your risk of illness but also helps stop it from spreading to others you have close contact with. Additional preventive measures include:

● Frequent handwashing with soap and water

● Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow

● Wearing a mask if you feel like you’re experiencing symptoms

● Staying home when feeling unwell to prevent the spread of illness

Most kids with the flu recover at home, but in rare cases, the illness can become serious enough to require a hospital stay. When that happens, it’s usually because of severe symptoms like trouble breathing, dehydration, or complications like pneumonia. For adults, especially older adults and those with existing health conditions, the risk of flu-related complications is even higher. A severe case can lead to prolonged hospital stays, intensive care, or the need for oxygen support.

The Importance of Flu Vaccination

There has been hesitation to get the flu shot due to misconceptions, but experts in the health industry emphasize that vaccination is the best way to reduce flu spread and protect people.

Each year, the flu vaccine is developed through global surveillance, strain selection, production, and distribution. The CDC, FDA, and WHO analyze flu activity worldwide, selecting the most likely strains for the upcoming season. Vaccine production begins using egg-based, cell-based, or recombinant technology, followed by FDA approval before distribution.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by late September or October for the best protection. Regardless of the time, it’s always best to get your flu shot when you can.

Act Now and Protect Yourself

The best time to get the flu shot is right now. And with the season in full swing, and Tennessee remaining one of the hardest-hit states, it’s the best option parents have to ensure their children stay safe.

Don’t wait until the flu catches you off guard — talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated.

Sources:

Tennessee Department of Health: Tennessee’s Weekly Flu Reports

CDC: Weekly US Map: Influenza Summary Update

CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Flu