हिंदी
A nationwide initiative is set to conduct a Pulse Polio Immunization drive, administering the polio vaccine to children under the age of 5 across all districts on Polio Day. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection primarily impacting the nervous system. Grasping the severity of this disease and recognizing the importance of polio immunization are crucial to safeguarding the health and well-being of our children.
Polio is caused by a virus that mainly affects nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. Transmission occurs through contaminated water or food, or contact with an infected person, potentially leading to paralysis. While many infected individuals show no symptoms, those who do experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and nausea. Polio can manifest as paralytic or non-paralytic, with the former progressing to intense pain, extreme sensitivity, muscle weakness, and spasms, often resulting in limb paralysis.
Here are five key benefits of immunizing your child against polio:
- Preventing Polio Spread: Immunization is the most effective means of preventing the spread of the poliovirus, creating a protective barrier within the community when children receive the recommended doses.
- Global Eradication Efforts: Commitment to polio immunization is pivotal in the global endeavor to eradicate the disease. Ongoing vaccination campaigns have achieved substantial progress, leading to successful elimination in several countries. Sustained efforts are crucial for a polio-free world.
- Protecting the Vulnerable: Immunization not only safeguards vaccinated individuals but also protects those unable to receive the vaccine, such as infants or those with specific medical conditions. Community or herd immunity is essential in preventing outbreaks.
- Long-term Health Investment: Polio’s consequences can be severe and life-altering. By ensuring your child receives recommended vaccinations, you invest in their long-term health, minimizing the risk of enduring debilitating effects.
- Economic Benefits: Polio places a significant economic burden on individuals, families, and communities due to medical treatment, rehabilitation, and productivity loss. Immunization is a cost-effective strategy to prevent the financial strain caused by polio-related illnesses.
