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Polio
Polio was a common disease in the United States in the 1950's. In 1952, more than 20,000 people were paralyzed by polio. This viral infection causes damage to nerve tissue and results in paralysis. Death can also result from the inability to breathe because of incapacitated respiratory muscles. Victims of polio will most often have permanent weakness in an arm or a leg for the rest of their lives. The use of effective vaccines (OPV and IPV) has resulted in the nearly complete eradication of this infection. Only a few cases per year are reported in the US. Worldwide polio continues to be a serious problem due to inadequate vaccination programs. The currently recommended vaccine is the "live polio vaccine" (OPV). The polio virus in the vaccine is "live," but made very weak. This vaccine is given by drops in the mouth rather than injection. At least 90 out of 100 people who ingest 3 or more doses of OPV will be protected against polio. The IPV, or inactivated (killed) polio virus vaccination, is used for those who may be immune compromised (cancer patients, AIDS). The IPV is given as a shot on the same schedule as the OPV. Four doses are currently recommended for polio protection.
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