What are the causes of polio?

The main cause of polio is infection with the polio virus, which can be transmitted through contact with contaminated water, food or feces. It may also be related to environmental hygiene and individual immunity. The cause of the disease can be analyzed from five aspects: genetics, external environment, personal physiology, trauma and pathology.

1 Influence of genetic factors

Polio is not a genetic disease, so heredity is not its direct cause. However, if there is a person with low immune function in the family, the child may be vulnerable to the virus. Parents should pay attention to whether their children have immune deficiency or a history of related genetic diseases, and conduct physical examinations if necessary.

2. Environmental factors

The polio virus is mainly transmitted through fecal-oral transmission and is closely related to environmental hygiene. If the drinking water source or food is contaminated by the virus, and the family does not pay attention to personal hygiene, such as not washing hands before meals and after defecation, the risk of viral infection may increase. Improving the sanitation of the living environment, such as drinking clean water and developing good hygiene habits, is an important means of prevention.

3. Insufficient immunity

Young children's immune systems are relatively underdeveloped, so they are more likely to be infected if they come into contact with people or objects carrying the virus. If children are not vaccinated against polio in a timely manner, the chance of infection will increase. It is recommended that children be vaccinated in a timely manner according to the national immunization plan to enhance their ability to resist viruses.

4 Trauma and viral invasion

There may be no obvious trauma before the child appears, but some serious trauma may cause a temporary decrease in immunity, creating conditions for the invasion of the virus. Parents need to pay attention to avoid potential trauma risks and pay special attention to care after the accident.

5 Pathological factors, namely the virus attack mechanism

The polio virus attacks the motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, causing paralysis of the corresponding muscles. In the early stages of infection, there may only be mild symptoms such as fever and headache, but after the virus penetrates deeply, serious consequences such as muscle weakness and paralysis will occur. It is necessary to seek medical treatment in time to avoid missing the best time for treatment.

Developing daily habits of cleanliness and hygiene, completing vaccinations on time, and reducing exposure to viral transmission routes are the keys to preventing polio. If parents find abnormal symptoms, they should take their children to the doctor as soon as possible to avoid the disease from worsening and becoming irreversible.