Polio prevention and medical treatment (Polio)
Prevention
Prevention primarily involves vaccination. In the West and in developed countries, a trivalent vaccine composed of the three strains of inactivated virus is used, administered by injection. It is given to infants at 2 months, 4 months and between 6 and 18 months. A reminder is given between 4 and 6 years old, just before entering school. This vaccine is very effective. It protects 93% after 2 doses, and 100% after 3 doses. The child is then protected against polio throughout his life. In some developing countries it is also possible to use a vaccine composed of live attenuated viruses administered orally.
Medical treatments
There is no cure for polio, hence the interest and importance of vaccination. However, some symptoms can be relieved by medication (such as antispasmodics to relax the muscles).