WHAT IS POST POLIO SYNDROME
Post Polio Syndrome is a poorly understood condition that can affect people who have had polio in the past.
Polio is a viral infection that used to be common in the UK, but is now rare.
Most people who had Polio would have fought off the infection without even realising they were infected.
Some people with Polio would have had paralysis, muscle weakness and shrinking of the muscles. But usually, these problems would have either gone away over the following weeks or months, or remained the same for years afterwards.
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Post Polio Syndrome is where some of these symptoms return or get worse many years or decades after the original polio infection.
SYMPTOMS OF POST POLIO SYNDROME
Post Polio Syndrome can include a wide range of symptoms that develop gradually over time, including:
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persistent fatigue (extreme tiredness)
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muscle weakness
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shrinking muscles
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muscle and joint pain
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The condition can have a significant impact on everyday life, making it very difficult to get around and carry out certain tasks and activities. The symptoms tend to get gradually worse over many years, but this happens very slowly and treatment may help slow it down further.
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Post Polio Syndrome is rarely life-threatening, although some people develop breathing and swallowing difficulties that can lead to serious problems, such as chest infections.
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WHO'S AFFECTED
Post Polio Syndrome only affects people who've had polio. It usually develops 15 to 40 years after the infection.
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The condition has become more common in the UK in recent years, because of the high number of Polio cases that occurred during the 1940s and 1950s, before routine vaccination was introduced. It's estimated that there are around 120,000 people living in the UK who survived Polio when they were younger. Some of these have, or will develop, Post Polio Syndrome.
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It's not known exactly how many Polio survivors are or will be affected by Post Polio Syndrome. Estimates vary from as low as 15% to as high as 80%.
WHAT CAUSES POST-POLIO SYNDROME?
The exact cause of post Polio Syndrome is unclear. It's not known whether anything can be done to prevent it.
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The leading theory is that it's the result of the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord (motor neurones) that were damaged by the Polio virus. This would explain why the condition can take years to appear.
Post Polio Syndrome isn't contagious. The theory that the Polio virus may lie dormant in your body, causing Post Polio Syndrome when it becomes reactivated at a later stage, has been disproven.
It's not clear why only some people who've had polio develop Post Polio Syndrome. Those who had severe Polio when they were younger may be more likely to develop the condition.
Contacts us: 0800 043 1935
Email us: info@britishpolio.org.uk
COMPLETE A CHALLENGE
There are 1000's of different challenge events taking place up and down the country which you can get involved in to raise vital funds for the Fellowship.
Some events we hold designated charity spots in for our supporters.
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If you would like to get involved in any of these events please contact our head of fundraising Matthew Thomas at matthew@britishpolio.org.uk
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If you have a specific event in mind we haven't covered please get in contact and we will do all we can to help you raise funds so you can focus on being your very best on the day!
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ASICS 10K London Run
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We currently hold spaces for those who want to run in the Asics London 10K. This years race takes place on the 10th July and we are still open for participants. Please contact central office to find out more.
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Sky Dive For Charity
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We have partnered with Go Sky Dive to bring you the opportunity to do something exhilarating whilst helping raise vital funds for the Fellowship. We can offer single bookings or full day bookings for big groups who want an amazing experience together. A great bonding exercise for a corporate or group activity.
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Tough Mudder
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Get down and dirty whilst raising money for Polio survivors. Tough Mudder host obstacle courses across the UK which are a great day out having fun whilst also achieving something incredible.
Complete a Marathon
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If you really feel like pushing yourself why not get involved and complete a marathon. You can raise important funds for the Fellowship whilst ticking off that bucket list achievement. The Fellowship doesn't currently hold any designated marathon spots but get in touch and let us know which event you want to get involved in and we will help get you set up and ready to raise.
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