An Overview of Treating Polio
Currently, there is no treatment that can kill the
poliovirus. Antibiotics or other medications for
polio are not effective because polio is caused by a virus. Therefore, treatment focuses on providing relief of symptoms as the body fights the poliovirus. This is called supportive care.
Supportive Care as a Polio Treatment
Supportive care as a treatment for polio will depend on the symptoms that a person experiences. For those with mild symptoms or aseptic
meningitis, supportive care may include:
- Medications (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to control fever or pain
- Fluids
- Rest until the fever improves.
In these cases, after 2-10 days,
polio symptoms will usually have faded completely.
If paralytic paralysis occurs, treatment may be more extensive and long-term. Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment for polio can include:
- Medications to reduce pain and improve strength
- Antibiotic medications for bacterial infections
- Breathing assistance with a mechanical ventilator.
If someone becomes ill from possible polio symptoms, he or she should seek medical attention right away. It is important for the person to call the doctor in advance so that he or she doesn't have to sit in the waiting room for a long time and possibly infect other patients.
