Polio Network Victoria
What is Polio?
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system, and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. It can strike at any age, but affects mainly children under three (over 50% of all cases). The virus enters the body through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs.
One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Amongst those paralysed, 5%-10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilised. Although polio paralysis is the most visible sign of polio infection, fewer than 1% of polio infections ever result in paralysis.
Poliovirus can spread widely before cases of paralysis are seen. As most people infected with poliovirus have no signs of illness, they are never aware they have been infected. After initial infection with poliovirus, the virus is shed intermittently in faeces (excrement) for several weeks. During that time, polio can spread rapidly through the community.
Source: WHO Global Polio Eradication Initiative http://www.polioeradication.org
Have you had Polio or know someone who has?
Between the 1930’s and 1960’s approx 70,000* Australians were paralysed by Polio. Most people recovered with varying levels of disability, going on to lead active lives.
* Jones, R (1991) Post polio syndrome: what can we do. The Medical Journal of Australia, 155
However, thousands of people now in their 40’s 50’s 60’s and older are experiencing what is called the Late Effects of Polio or Post Polio Syndrome. The Late Effects of Polio are a set of unexpected new symptoms occurring some 15–40 years after the initial infection.
The Late Effects of Polio and/or Post Polio Syndrome (PPS)
Common symptoms include:
- Decreased muscle strength and endurance
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold and/or heat
- Swallowing and/or speaking difficulties
- Breathing difficulty and/or sleep disturbance
Polio Network Victoria
The Polio Network is a free service based in Victoria that provides relevant and accessible information, referral and support services to people who have had Polio, their families, carers and advocates.
Services include:
- Information and Support
- Community & School Information Sessions (please ring 9418 0411 to arrange a talk for your group or school)
- 20 state-wide support groups
- Quarterly newsletter: Polio Perspectives
- Resources: Books/DVD’s/Video’s
- Annual Polio Day
- Promotion of Immunisation
The goals of the Polio Network are to:
- Provide current information on Polio and its possible late effects and on the availability of community services to people who have had Polio, their families, carers and advocates;
- Assist in the formation and networking of community support groups for people who have had Polio within Victoria;
- Raise the awareness of issues affecting people who have had Polio within the wider community;
- Promote immunisation as a means of Polio prevention and eradication;
- Promote an awareness of the PolioNetwork to potential users, community support groups, service providers and health professionals.
For more information contact:
Community Officer
Polio Network
(a service of Independence Australia)
208 Wellington Street
Collingwood Vic 3066
Local Call: 1300 704 456
Direct: (03) 9418 0411
Mobile: 0425 785 871
Email: polio@independenceaustralia.com
URL: www.polionetworkvic.asn.au
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