Poliomyelitis is a dangerous viral disease that leads to disability. There is no cure for this disease, and treatment does not produce results. Diagnosis of the disease is difficult at the initial stage, until the virus has penetrated the spinal cord. The incubation period lasts 10/30 days, and during this period the carrier of the virus can infect other people. The infection is transmitted through contact (objects) and airborne droplets (during communication). The only salvation from poliovirus is vaccination. Parents are concerned about the reaction to the polio vaccine, however, complications after the disease are much more dangerous than the side effects from the vaccine.

Types of polio vaccinations

The polio vaccine was invented only in the middle of the last century by American scientists. The drug consisted of inactivated (killed) strains of a dangerous virus. Universal immunization helped to get rid of outbreaks of contagious infections that maimed people and claimed hundreds of lives. Later they invented a drug with live polio virus, which is produced in drops. The inactivated vaccine is given from a muscle in the body by injection; the live vaccine is dropped into the child's mouth.

What is better - drops or injection? At three months, the child is given an inactivated strain by injection; at six months and beyond, drops are given instead of an injection. A live vaccine is considered more effective than an inactivated one. The vaccine is given together with DTP on the same day. No pronounced side effects have been recorded if all immunization rules are followed.

The disadvantage of a live vaccine is the difficult storage conditions of the drug, if these conditions are violated, the bacterial strain dies. There are also certain difficulties with dosage, since babies can regurgitate the drug injected into the tongue. The advantage of live vaccination is (contrary to existing legends about the danger of infection) passive immunization of persons in contact with the vaccinated child.

Important! Only a person with a pronounced immunodeficiency can become infected from a vaccinated child; others receive passive immunity to the virus.

Complications and side effects

What can happen to a child after vaccination? Parents should know that compliance with all points of immunization rules reduces the risk of complications to a minimum. In many children, post-vaccination symptoms are not expressed at all. A slight malaise and whims at a temperature of 37C are not considered dangerous complications.

Why then do they talk about a strong reaction to the polio vaccine? An extreme form of complications is the development of vaccine-associated poliomyelitis, which occurs with severe immunodeficiency of the child, with diseases of a neurological nature or severe dysbacteriosis. In other cases, reactions to the polio vaccine are expressed in:

• slight increase in temperature;
• anxiety and tearfulness;
• stool disorder;
• refusal to eat.

The listed reactions to the polio vaccine are not considered serious complications and do not require treatment. After the injection, local complications may occur in the form of swelling of the puncture site and slight redness. Sometimes itching and pain occur when touching the injection site. However, if there is no suppuration of the wound and the temperature does not rise (signs of an abscess), you should not worry.

Important! Serious complications after the polio vaccine can be allergic reactions to the antimicrobial components of the drug. In this case, revaccination is contraindicated.

Preparing for immunization

The basic rule of immunization is the complete health of the child. If your baby suffered an infectious disease on the eve of scheduled vaccination, it is necessary to strengthen his immunity before vaccination.

It is advisable to take tests (blood/urine) before vaccination to be sure of the baby’s complete health. Pediatricians rarely offer tests before vaccination, but parents can insist on this.

Before going to the clinic, do not feed your child tightly so that the body has the strength to adapt to the administered vaccine. It is also undesirable to feed your baby for at least an hour after vaccination.

If you are worried about an allergic reaction to the drug, give your baby an antihistamine three days before the injection (on the advice of your pediatrician). This will reduce the risk of allergies. Antihistamines are also given for three days after immunization.

Myths and legends

Young parents should know that it is impossible to get polio after vaccination against this virus. If you examine your baby before vaccination and talk about his condition with a pediatrician, there will be no complications. Also, people around the child will not get polio if they do not suffer from severe immunodeficiency and neurological disorders.

Is it possible to bathe the baby after vaccination, and will there be any complications? If the child does not have a sharp rise in temperature and does not show cold symptoms, bathing is allowed. If the injection site is inflamed, lubricate it with iodine mesh or troxevasin ointment, and do not rub with a sponge while bathing. There are no special contraindications to swimming, and there will be no complications after it.

A serious obstacle to immunization against polio is severe intestinal dysbiosis. The virus develops and multiplies first in the larynx, then in the intestines, from where it enters the spinal cord. Therefore, the intestines must be populated with healthy microflora before vaccination. Be sure to take this into account!

Important! A healthy baby with normal weight and no neurological diseases does not have dangerous complications from the polio vaccine.

Vaccination will protect your child from polio.

Many young parents do not know what the polio vaccine is, the reaction to it and the consequences. They are tormented by many unanswerable questions about this disease: how can one become infected with it? Is the polio vaccine dangerous and its consequences?

Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease caused by several types of virus. The main pathogens are intestinal viruses located in the external environment.

They are resistant to freezing and die immediately when heated for a long time. Nowadays it is difficult to get sick, but often the virus comes to us from countries where vaccination is not carried out. The risk of contracting the disease increases:

• in summer;
• if your hands are dirty;
• if you eat uncleaned and unwashed foods.

How is the virus transmitted? This happens in the following ways:

• airborne (conversation, saliva, breathing, nasal discharge);
• fecal-oral;
• absorption of dirty food and water.

Once in the body, it multiplies in the intestines. Then the blood carries it to all organs, primarily affecting, as a rule, the nervous system. This, as a result, leads to irreversible paralysis. If the respiratory system is affected, the consequences are even worse.

The main audience of patients is children under 5 years of age. The virus is very resistant. Due to violation of the timing and technique of vaccination, an epidemic occurs.

In the mid-twentieth century, the disease affected many people. There was a high mortality rate, and those who survived suffered complications, remaining incurably disabled. Today, treatment gives good results, and to help it, preventive vaccination of children is carried out.

In abandoned corners of the world there is still a “wild virus” that can enter “civilization” through doctors, reporters, and rescuers. The source of infection is always considered to be a sick person, and the disease is transmitted through water, food and various objects.

Those who are not vaccinated get sick, and the infection spreads very quickly. One of its severe complications is paralysis.

During the disease, there are signs that resemble other diseases, and this makes correct diagnosis difficult.
The first stage is incubation. Duration – 10 – 12 days. During the incubation period, symptoms do not appear.

Second stage. Periods:

• preparalytic;
• paralytic;
• restorative;
• period of residual effects.

1. Pre-paralytic. The temperature rises, a runny nose, cough and other signs of acute respiratory infections, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation begin. The first changes in the nervous system may begin. Towards the end of this period the temperature drops.
2. Paralytic. The main symptom at this time is mild paralysis, usually in the legs. Mostly they start in the morning. The limbs become pale and cold. In rare cases, symptoms manifest themselves in the absence of facial expressions.

In mild forms, all symptoms disappear completely. Severe cases are accompanied by complications, which can result in disability. But in the modern world, severe forms of polio are rare, thanks to the fact that children are vaccinated in a timely manner.

Two drugs are used for vaccination:

1. Oral live polio vaccine. It is dripped into the mouth.
2. Inactivated polio vaccine containing killed virus. Administered in the form of an injection.

These vaccines protect against types 1, 2 and 3 of the disease.

The schedule according to which the vaccination is given:

• The first vaccination against infection is done when the child is three months old;
• the second vaccination is given at four and a half months;
• the third is carried out for prevention with live vaccines at six months;

And then revaccination is carried out at 18, 20 months and at 14 years.

Types of vaccines:

1. Pentaxim is a vaccination against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and hemophilus influenzae. They give an injection. Manufacturer France.
2. Tetraxim – prevention of whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio. Manufacturer France.
3. Infanrix Hexa – whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, invasive infection. It is given in the form of an injection. Belgium.
4. Infanrix Penta – whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B. Belgium.
5. Poliorix is ​​an inactivated vaccine. Belgium.

Before the first vaccination, you must consult a neurologist and get tested. If your child has allergies, first discuss with your doctor what allergy medications you will use. Buy something for fever - in your baby it may be a reaction to vaccination.

Do not introduce new complementary foods; allergies may develop. Before vaccination, measure your baby's temperature. If it is, the vaccine should not be administered under any circumstances. Vaccination is carried out by injection or drops in the mouth. Usually two drops are dropped, but if the baby burps, the procedure is repeated.

Typically, there is no reaction to oral live polio vaccine. In rare cases, there may be side effects such as fever. Very young children very rarely experience diarrhea, which will persist for one to two days. Such reactions are not considered a complication.

OPV remains in the intestines for up to one month and during this time immunity is developed almost the same as after suffering from the disease. In this case, the virus does not enter the body. Protective cells are formed that recognize and destroy it.

Another important property of a live vaccine is that while it functions in the intestines, the wild virus does not enter the body. In regions where this infection exists, a newborn is vaccinated immediately in the maternity hospital with a live vaccine, and it protects the baby in the first month of life.

Then, when he is two months old, the first infectious dose is administered and then vaccinated according to schedule. The live vaccine against this disease stimulates the synthesis of interferon and therefore may protect against influenza.

The only serious complication that vaccination can cause is (VAP). The disease most often appears when the first vaccination is given to a baby born with immunodeficiency, gastrointestinal defect (congenital) or AIDS. In other cases, complications do not appear. Children who have had VAP should continue to receive vaccinations against this deadly disease, but only with the inactivated polio vaccine.

Positive and negative sides

The medicine is available in doses. Babies up to eighteen months are given an injection in one of the thighs, and older ones - in the shoulder. After vaccination, five percent experience a local reaction to the injection in the form of redness, but this is not considered a complication.

Four percent of those vaccinated experience minor side effects, such as fever, which persist for two days after vaccination. In response to the introduction of this virus, blood antibodies appear in the baby’s body, which are unable to synthesize cells that kill viruses with the underlying pathogen.

This is a very big disadvantage of the inactivated vaccine. There are no contraindications for IPV, and it is vaccinated even in children with immunodeficiency. Sometimes allergic reactions can be complications of IPV.

Unvaccinated people suffering from immunodeficiency become infected and become ill from people who have long been vaccinated.

It is very dangerous when people with AIDS become infected with this infection.

Healthy people do not have to observe quarantine after vaccination; you can walk with your baby as usual.

When a baby is vaccinated against polio, the consequences should not pose any danger to his health if it is done correctly. It helps the still weak child’s body fight a serious illness. It will forever save the child from the disease, and the parents from the fears brought by the infection.

Poliomyelitis is a severe acute infectious disease that is difficult to treat and causes many serious consequences. The disease is highly contagious and is spread by one of the three polio viruses. The virus has a destructive effect on the human spinal cord, which can result in paralysis and death if the respiratory system is affected.

Vaccination against polio

Vaccination, which prevents the emergence and development of a dangerous virus, will help protect against this disease. Vaccination is done at 3 months, 4.5 months and 6. Further vaccination is carried out at 18, 20 months and 14 years. There are two types of polio vaccines.

• Oral live vaccine or OPV.
• Inactivated polio vaccine or IPV.

The oral live vaccine comes in the form of reddish droplets. This is a solution of live, but very weakened viruses, thanks to which a strong immunity is formed in the body. 4 drops are placed on the root of the child’s tongue or on the surface of the tonsils. You cannot eat or drink for an hour after the procedure; if you regurgitate, you must repeat the instillation.

Inactivated polio vaccine contains dead strains of polio. This vaccination is done subcutaneously or intramuscularly. It is believed that with such a vaccination the likelihood of side effects is less than with a live vaccine. But an oral live vaccine forms a more powerful and lasting immunity to the disease.

Contraindications to vaccination

You need to know that any vaccination has certain contraindications and limitations. Polio vaccination is not given in the following cases.

1. The patient has a state of immunodeficiency, or if there are people with immunodeficiency in the environment. When vaccinated, the body fights the virus and gains immunity to the disease. If a person is weakened and cannot fight the strain, even a weakened one, then the likelihood of an illness occurring is high. For some time after vaccination, a person is a carrier of the infection; this is dangerous for people with immunodeficiency in his environment. The virus is shed by a newly vaccinated person for 60 days, and people with weak immune systems have a real risk of getting sick.
2. People with malignant neoplasms and undergoing chemotherapy are also subject to contraindications. This is explained by the same reasons. The body is weakened and the immune system may not be able to overcome viruses. This includes taking medications that suppress the immune system. The vaccine is not given for 6 months after completion of treatment.
3. Contraindications include pregnancy and planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, and being around pregnant women.
4. Acute diseases and exacerbations of chronic diseases at the time of planned vaccination. The body is weakened and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination is postponed until complete recovery.
5. An allergic reaction to the antibiotics streptomycin, neomycin and polymyxin B, which are part of the vaccine.
6. A severe allergic or unusual reaction after a previous vaccination.
7. Contraindications include neurological reactions of the body after the last vaccination.

Complications from vaccination are rare. In terms of risk, it is much worse not to get vaccinated against polio, and then encounter a wild virus and get sick. Be healthy yourself and protect the health of your children!

Polio drops are taken as a vaccine to prevent infection. Poliomyelitis is an acute viral disease. It can cause serious harm to the nervous system. Because of this, inflammatory processes may occur in the intestines and nasopharynx. This disease has always been considered a childhood disease; it affects children under the age of 10 years. The source of infection is a sick person. The peak of the disease is observed from August to October.

Indications for use of polio drops

Vaccinations begin for children from the age of two months. This will avoid infection in the future. This is done by instilling 2-4 drops of the drug onto the lymphoid tissue of the baby’s pharynx. In older children, instillation is done on the surface of the tonsils. The first vaccination is done at the age of 3-6 months. After which revaccination is required at 18-20 months and 14 years.

The main indication for taking the drug is to prevent infection with polio. After the vaccination has been carried out, you should refuse to eat for an hour, and you should also not drink. The fact is that, together with food and liquid, the medicine will be washed into the stomach and will not have time to form a protective barrier.

After vaccination has been carried out, it is highly not recommended to introduce complementary foods and new foods into the baby’s diet. Because it is possible to develop allergic reactions due to the ingestion of unknown food into the body. Most often this condition is equated with the unsuitability of the medication, this is not so.

Pharmacodynamics

The vaccine against the disease is a stabilized drug. It contains live attenuated polio viruses of Sabin strains type 1, 2 and 3. They enter the human body in multiplied form. Each product intended for vaccination meets all the requirements of the World Health Organization.

After using the product, immunity begins to form in almost 98%. The level of seroconservation after administration of 3 doses of the vaccine can reach 100% concentration. This indicator is observed for three types of poliovirus. An increased level of maternal antibodies can affect the immune response of the drug. Diarrhea during vaccination, as well as family exposure to various vaccines, can lead to negative consequences. Breastfeeding has a particular impact and may result in vaccine failure.

Poliomyelitis droplets contain the viruses of this disease, in a weakened form. Type 1 – at least 1 thousand, type 2 – 100 thousand and type 3 – 300 thousand. This amount will allow the body to develop immunity against the disease.

Pharmacokinetics

The cure for polio must include weakened components of the virus. This will help develop immunity in the body against the disease. The drug contains diphtheria toxoid in the amount of 30 IU, tetanus toxoid - 40 IU and pertussis toxoid 25 mcg.

In addition, the drug contains filamentous hemagglutinin 25 mcg, inactivated polio virus, type 1 40 IU D antigen, inactivated polio virus, type 2 8 IU D antigen, inactivated polio virus, type 3 32 IU D antigen. The auxiliary components are substances such as aluminum hydroxide - 0.3 mg, phenoxyethanol - 2.5 µl, acetic acid or sodium hydroxide - up to pH 6.8-7.3, water for injection - up to 0.5 ml. All together helps strengthen the body. Thus, it is able to resist many viruses and infections. The auxiliary components can be sucrose - 42.5 mg and trometamol - 0.6 mg.

Using polio drops during pregnancy

During pregnancy, vaccination is highly not recommended. It can only be justified if there is a risk of contracting an infection that poses a threat to both the life of the mother and the child.

As you know, in the first trimester of pregnancy you should stop using any medications. After all, there is always a risk of causing irreparable harm to the baby. The child’s nervous system begins to form from the first weeks; any impact on it can lead to the development of pathological processes. High doses of illicit drugs can cause premature birth.

Vaccination against polio is carried out if there is a risk of infection of the baby. But at the same time, the vaccine itself can cause harm to the developing organism. An experienced specialist can make decisions about vaccination, depending on the possible dangers.

Contraindications for use

There are a number of contraindications for vaccination. Thus, it cannot be performed on children with congenital immunodeficiency or HIV (even if one of the family members is infected). If there is a pregnant woman around the baby. This can have a negative impact on the expectant mother.

If a woman is planning a pregnancy or is already pregnant, there is no need to vaccinate. This is done if there is a risk of infection of the mother and child. There is no need to get vaccinated if you are breastfeeding. If before this there was an unusual reaction to other medications, then vaccination is carried out with extreme caution.

Contraindications include allergies to neomycin, polymyxin B and streptomycin. These are the components that make up the vaccine. It should not be used in the presence of acute infectious diseases, even after complete recovery.

Neurological disorders, as well as immunodeficiency, malignancy and immunosuppression can interfere with vaccination. Routine vaccination should be postponed if there is a severe course of ARVI or acute intestinal diseases. Vaccinations can be done after the temperature has normalized.

Side effects of polio drops

There is practically no reaction to the vaccine. In some cases, allergic reactions occur. This is due to individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Therefore, before using it, you should familiarize yourself with the composition and identify the body’s reaction to its components. Urticaria or Quincke's edema is extremely rare.

Cases of vaccine-associated diseases have been recorded. This condition occurs once in three million. This condition requires a differential diagnosis with polio-like diseases. In order to limit the circulation of the virus among people around a vaccinated child, certain rules must be followed. The baby must have a separate crib, potty, bed linen, clothes, dishes, etc. This will prevent parents from being influenced by the vaccine. Because it can only be carried out for children.

Reaction from polio drops

Many parents are interested in the question of whether complications are possible after vaccination and how they manifest themselves. Usually, the vaccine does not cause any reactions. But still, one case in 2.5-3 million is recorded. In order to exclude any reactions, it is worth vaccinating only children in excellent health.

Preference should be given to the injection itself rather than drops. The first option is much safer and does not cause side effects as often. The doctor and the baby’s parents decide which type of vaccine to choose. In any case, it is important to prepare the child for this procedure.

Occasionally, after the vaccine is administered, the baby experiences diarrhea or an allergic reaction. They do not pose any danger and do not require special treatment. The baby will go away on its own after a few days. If your child's condition is very disturbing, you can take him to see a therapist.

Diarrhea after polio drops

The baby's gastrointestinal tract is very weak. Therefore, any influence on it can lead to negative consequences. Indigestion is the most common symptom after receiving the polio vaccine. The occurrence of diarrhea is associated with the content of live bacteria in the vaccine. They are the ones that affect the intestinal mucosa. If diarrhea lasts more than a day, you should inform your physician.

The vaccine, in droplet form, consists of weakened viruses. Intestinal upset can occur with oral vaccination with live viruses. The fact is that they are able to actively reproduce in the digestive system. The sensitive intestine readily perceives this influence on it and responds with disorder. Moderate diarrhea after vaccination does not pose any danger. If there is any doubt, it is better to visit a doctor, especially if the baby has a severe disorder.

Temperature after polio drops

After vaccination, the temperature may increase slightly or remain unchanged. As doctors say, there is no need to worry about this. Even if the temperature has risen to 38-38.5 degrees. This is a normal reaction of the body to the introduction of a weakened virus into it. If the temperature increases with additional reactions, including diarrhea and allergic reactions, you should go to the hospital.

Hyperthermia develops within several hours after the vaccine is administered. Sometimes this period extends for 2-3 days. Therefore, it is worth monitoring the baby’s condition for several days. The temperature can also last for 2-3 days. In some cases even two weeks. It all depends on the baby’s immunity. If the increase is not accompanied by other reactions, there is no reason to worry. No additional treatment is provided, but antipyretics are allowed.

Directions for use and doses

The vaccine is used about 4 times. The age of vaccination is noted in a special calendar of preventive vaccinations; it can be obtained from the supervising therapist. Usually, the nurse or the doctor himself is responsible for notifying about the day of vaccination. This is done in advance so that parents have time to prepare.

Use 4 drops of the product at one time. Everything is carried out in accordance with the packaging of the drug. The vaccination dose should be dropped into the mouth using the dropper or pipette included with the bottle. The action is carried out an hour before meals. Under no circumstances should you take the drops or drink the liquid within an hour after use. The vaccine will simply end up in the stomach and will not perform its protective functions.

According to this principle, the product is used 4 times, but only on the appointed days. During the period of use, you should monitor the baby’s condition and record possible changes. The vaccine is usually well tolerated.

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Overdose

With the correct dosage, no adverse reactions can occur. The fixed dose is 4 drops. In some cases, 5 is used. This is not fraught with anything for the child. However, it is necessary to monitor his condition. Some children have a hard time with vaccination, so even a slight increase in the dose can cause an overdose.

If a large amount of the drug enters the gastrointestinal tract, poisoning may occur. It is advisable to give the baby a gastric lavage and consult a doctor. Nausea and vomiting may occur if a significant amount of the drug enters the stomach. This doesn't happen very often.

In case of overdose, fever and severe diarrhea may occur. If these symptoms persist for more than a day, and the diarrhea is severe, consultation with a specialist is necessary. In some cases, the temperature lasts for 2 weeks. The disorder occurs due to the sensitivity of the baby's digestive organs.

Interactions with other drugs

Vaccination against polio can be carried out on the same day together with vaccination with DTP vaccine (ADS or ADS-M toxoid). It is possible to use the product with other drugs if the vaccination schedule was drawn up by a doctor.

In accordance with the recommendations, the product is used simultaneously with vaccines against hepatitis B, whooping cough, tetanus, and rubella. But only if they are included in the immunization scheme. Concomitant use with rotavirus vaccine is not able to affect the immune response to poliovirus antigens. Although the live vaccine can significantly reduce the immune response, anti-rotavirus IgA levels have been shown to reach target levels after the first dose. And this happens after the second dose of the vaccine is administered. At the same time, clinical protection is maintained. If the drug is prescribed along with other vaccines based on live bacteria, then at least a month should pass between administrations. No other incompatibilities have been reported.

Storage conditions

The vaccine must be stored at -20 degrees. This will maintain its effectiveness for 2 years. At temperatures from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, the shelf life does not exceed one year. If the vaccine is located in twenty-degree cold conditions, then it is not worth placing it in other temperature conditions. If there is such a need, the shelf life is reduced to 6 months.

To maintain optimal effectiveness of the drug, it is worth keeping it in the refrigerator. Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided. If the drug is not expected to be used in the near future, it is better to place it in the cold. If possible, maintain a temperature of 20 degrees below zero. If the vaccine was accidentally exposed to a different temperature. If you suspect an increase in the limits, it is worth checking the effectiveness of the vaccine. It is likely that it is no longer usable.

Once the bottle is opened, it must be used within 8 hours. During this time, the vaccine is stored at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. If it is not intended to be taken within 8 hours of opening, the vaccine must be frozen immediately. It has been proven that repeated freezing and thawing does not affect the quality of the product. The drug should be stored out of the reach of children.

Best before date

The duration of storage depends entirely on the conditions. So, at a temperature of more than 20 degrees below zero, the period is 2 years. If the drug is stored at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, the shelf life is reduced to a year. If defrosting and re-freezing is necessary, the shelf life does not exceed six months. The temperature must be monitored.

In addition to temperature, conditions and the appearance of the bottle also play an important role. It should not be damaged or punctured. You should pay attention to the appearance of the vaccine itself. The color and smell should remain unchanged. A similar requirement is put forward for consistency. All three parameters must be unchanged.

To prevent trouble, you should hide the product away from children. They can harm themselves and damage the vaccine vial. The drug is afraid of direct sunlight, so the best place to store it is in the refrigerator. Under such conditions, the vaccine will last for more than one year.

Important to know!

Poliomyelitis [from the Greek polio (gray), myelos (brain)] is an acute viral anthroponotic infectious disease with a fecal-oral transmission mechanism, which is characterized by predominant damage to motor neurons of the spinal cord and brain with the development of paralysis.

The polio vaccine is included in the list of vaccines required for immunization of children. Many parents are interested in whether this vaccination is necessary for their baby. Some of them worry that the child will develop dangerous complications after receiving the polio vaccine. Let's look at why this vaccine is given to children, and what are the possible reactions to the polio vaccine.

Is polio vaccination necessary?

Poliomyelitis is a severe infectious disease that affects the nervous system. Serious manifestations of the disease are paralysis, less dangerous are inflammatory processes in the mucous tissues of the nasopharynx and intestines. This disease is very contagious, and the carrier of the virus may not even be aware of its presence, infecting others. The symptoms of polio are initially similar to those of acute respiratory infections or intestinal infections, which in many cases does not allow a correct diagnosis to be made in a timely manner. Only after the first cases of paralysis can doctors determine the outbreak of this particular disease.

The consequences of polio include such dangerous diseases as serous meningitis (damage to the membranes of the brain) and paralysis. These diseases are severe and sometimes fatal. After them, the body rarely recovers completely; lifelong complications often remain: pathological changes in muscles, sometimes shortening of one limb, disorders of motor and sensory innervation.

Reaction to polio vaccine

The vaccine against this infection is oral (taken orally in the form of drops) and injectable. After vaccination against polio in the form of drops, it is very rarely possible to develop an allergic reaction in the form of urticaria or, even more rarely, Quincke's edema. Some children have diarrhea, which goes away on its own within 1-2 days. Also, in rare cases, a slight increase in body temperature is observed. It is known that in 1 case out of 2.4 million this vaccine caused polio. However, experts note that this is only possible in children with very weakened immune systems.

After receiving the polio vaccine by injection, your child may experience redness and swelling at the site where it was given. In this case, the redness does not exceed 8 cm in diameter. Another type of reaction to the vaccine may be an increase in temperature. Usually the temperature rises slightly in the first two days after vaccination. Malaise, weakness and loss of appetite are quite rare in children.

In many cases, the occurrence of such reactions after polio vaccination is explained by the untimeliness of its implementation. Vaccination should not be given in case of infectious or inflammatory diseases or immediately after them, in case of weakened immunity, as well as in children suffering from serious allergies. Pediatricians recommend that parents start giving their baby antihistamines (anti-allergic) medications a few days before the vaccine is administered to avoid the development of an allergic reaction.

Complications of the polio vaccine

The only serious complication of the polio vaccine is called vaccine-associated polio (VAP). It can develop in a child with congenital immunodeficiency, most often when the vaccine is first administered. Congenital pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract predispose to the appearance of this complication.