It's Official: Polio Is Back, But How Can We Prevent It?

The Philippines was declared polio-free since the year 2000. Until recently, reports about its outbreaks prompted the Department of Health (DOH) to officially announce that polio is reemerging in the country.

Now, here's what you can do to prevent this infectious disease.

Since there is no cure for Poliomyelitis (polio), the most effective protection from this virus is through vaccination.

There are two types of vaccines for polio: the Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV), and the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV).

The DOH Synchronized Polio Vaccination campaign is currently ongoing for the National Capital Region leg and will continue on January 2020 for Mindanao.

According to the World Health Organization, “Children in the Philippines are at risk of lifelong paralysis because of this outbreak.”

In this case, parents should watch out for these symptoms: fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, stiffness or neck and back pain, muscle pain, and paralysis.

Another way to prevent polio is through cleanliness. It may sound cliché, but polio being an infectious disease can be transmitted through fecal matter or contaminated food, therefore cleanliness and personal hygiene are of utmost importance. You know what they say, prevention is better than cure.

Watch this episode of The Healthy Juan: Labanan ang Infectious Diseases where Kapuso registered nurse Rocco Nacino discussed a more in-depth information regarding polio: