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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.

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:

persistent fatigue (extreme tiredness)
muscle weakness
shrinking muscles
muscle and joint pain
sleep apnoea

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.

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.

WHO'S AFFECTED

Post Polio Syndrome only affects people who've had polio. It usually develops 15 to 40 years after the infection.

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.

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.

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

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The British Polio Fellowship
- May 17, 2022
- 2 min read

Join us at London ASICS 10K

Updated: May 18, 2022

Are you looking for a challenge this summer? Then take part in this years' ASICS 10K on Sunday 10 July and enjoy some of central London's iconic landmarks.

The race starts at Hyde Park Corner and passes Trafalgar Square and St Paul's Cathedral, it then takes you to Tower Bridge and you run alongside the River Thames. It's a great day with lots of live music and entertainment along the racecourse.

This 10K race is perfect for anyone wanting to take on their first running event or if you're an experienced runners looking for your personal best. It's also a great event for all abilities, including wheelchair athletes! When you pass the finishing line you'll receive a finishers medal and an ASICS 10K t-shirt.

Join the British Polio Fellowship team on Sunday 10 July and we'll support you along the way. We hold runner spots for those who wish to take part and raise money for the charity.

We'll give you a Fellowship t-shirt to wear during training and on the day, as well as our support in organising your fundraising efforts. All we ask is that you raise a minimum of £75 to cover the costs of the charity.

This year we are welcoming to the team, British Polio Fellowship Ambassador and British Paralympian Anne Wafula-Strike MBE.

If you or someone you know is interested in taking part and running for the Fellowship please contact Matthew on matthew@britishpolio.org.uk and we'll get you all set up.

You can read more information on the event itself here but don't buy a ticket from this site. Matthew's got one ready, just for you https://run.limelightsports.club/event/asics-london-10k-2022

Did you know...

The British Polio Fellowship has a voluntary membership fee this year, which includes a zero contribution. If you know anyone who is affected by polio or Post-Polio Syndrome we can offer them support and fellowship. Get in touch info@britishpolio.org.uk

PHOTO CREDIT: Photo by Malik Skydsgaard on Unsplash

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