Which department should I go to for polio?

Polio is an acute infectious disease caused by viruses invading the blood circulation system. Some viruses can invade the nervous system. Most patients are children aged one to six. The main symptoms are fever, general discomfort, limb pain, and paralysis in severe cases. The earlier the sequelae of polio are treated, the better the effect will be. The sequelae of polio will seriously affect the patient's daily life and mental health, and will also bring great pressure to the patient's family. So what department should I go to for polio?

Experts recommend visiting a pediatrician and conducting the following tests based on the doctor's initial diagnosis:

1. Blood routine test

The total white blood cell count and neutrophil percentage are mostly normal.

2. Cerebrospinal fluid examination

In the early stage of paralysis, the number of cells (mainly lymphocytes) increases, but the protein does not increase significantly, showing a phenomenon of cell protein separation, which has a certain reference value for diagnosis. By the third week of paralysis, the number of cells has returned to normal, but the protein continues to increase, and it will return to normal after 4 to 6 weeks.

3. Virus Isolation

Virus isolation is the most important diagnostic test for this disease. Within one week of onset, the virus can be isolated from the pharynx and feces. Specimens can be collected using pharyngeal swabs and anal swabs: two specimens (weight > 5g) are collected at intervals of 24 to 48 hours, and refrigerated below 4°C for testing in time. Multiple combined testing can increase the positive rate. Within one week of onset, the virus can also be isolated from the nasopharynx, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid of the child.

4. Serological examination

For patients who have not taken polio vaccine recently, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method can be used to detect anti-polio virus specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the patient's blood and cerebrospinal fluid within 1 month of onset, which can help early diagnosis; the titer of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the serum of patients in the recovery period is more than 4 times higher than that in the acute period. I believe you also know what department to go to. During the treatment, children should pay attention to reasonable nutrition, so that children can develop good eating habits, not partial or picky eaters; ensure adequate sleep time. Try to avoid children playing with lead-containing painted toys, especially not holding such toys in their mouths. Pay special attention to your daily diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and eat less puffed foods.