How polio is transmitted

Polio is mainly transmitted through fecal-oral transmission or respiratory droplets. The cause of the disease is infection with the polio virus. The key to prevention is vaccination and personal hygiene. The following will analyze in detail the causes of its transmission and countermeasures.

1. Fecal-oral transmission:

The most common route of transmission of polio is fecal-oral transmission. The virus is usually present in the feces of infected people. If good hygiene treatment is not carried out or contaminated water is drunk, the virus may be transmitted to the human body through the digestive tract. This transmission route is more common in environments with poor sanitary conditions. For example, unwashed food, unclean drinking water, or feces discharged anywhere may become a medium for virus transmission. In order to prevent fecal-oral transmission, it is crucial to develop good hygiene habits, including washing hands before and after meals, cleaning fruits and vegetables with running water, and ensuring that drinking water is boiled before drinking.

2. Respiratory droplet transmission:

In some cases, polio virus can be transmitted through droplets, especially when the carrier releases the virus into the air when coughing, sneezing or talking. At this time, healthy individuals may be infected by inhaling droplets carrying the virus. Although the risk of respiratory transmission is lower than fecal-oral transmission, it still needs to be taken seriously. During the high incidence of the virus, children and infants should try to avoid crowded places, improve air circulation and wear masks, which are also effective ways to reduce the chance of transmission.

3Other factors:

In addition to the above direct transmission routes, children with low resistance or unvaccinated people are more vulnerable to the virus. Especially newborns or young children, their immunity has not yet fully developed. Vaccination against polio is currently the most effective means of prevention worldwide. Vaccines are divided into two types: live attenuated vaccines and inactivated vaccines, which can be completed on time according to the national immunization plan.

Although polio is highly contagious, the spread and epidemic of the disease can be completely prevented through timely vaccination and the development of good hygiene habits. If suspected symptoms are found, you should immediately seek medical attention to avoid infecting others. Strengthening the understanding of disease transmission routes can better respond to health risks and protect the growth and health of children.