What should you know about polio this year?

Poliovirus can enter the body through contaminated hands, food or water and may circulate without causing noticeable illness. Early symptoms can resemble a mild viral infection, including fever, headache, tiredness, nausea and sore throat. In some cases the infection reaches the nervous system. New muscle weakness or paralysis is a serious sign because breathing and swallowing muscles may be affected.

The practical risk for a household depends on immunisation, travel, sanitation and whether health authorities have identified transmission in an area. A news report about polio does not diagnose anyone in the household, but it is a reason to check records and follow local guidance.

Bring vaccination cards to a clinic and ask whether each child is up to date under the UAE schedule. Ask about catch-up doses if records are incomplete or a dose was delayed. Use careful hand hygiene, safe water and clean food preparation. If travelling, arrange advice before departure because recommendations can depend on destination and previous doses. Do not rely on online reports to decide whether a vaccine is needed.

Contact emergency services for sudden weakness, inability to stand or walk, choking, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. A fever with a new change in limb movement warrants urgent assessment. Tell the clinician about recent travel, contact with a sick person and the person’s vaccine history. Avoid sharing towels, utensils or close contact until you have received clinical advice.

Ask whether your family needs catch-up vaccination, whether travel plans alter the advice, and how to respond if a child develops weakness after a fever. Clarify which symptoms require emergency care rather than a routine appointment.