Fears of polio resurgence as US vaccine adviser queries need for childhood shots
a day ago
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- Preventable infectious diseases are surging, and US vaccine advisers may reconsider all vaccine recommendations.
- Experts warn the healthcare system is unprepared for a polio outbreak, with few doctors experienced in treating it.
- Polio survivors like Grace Rossow and Art Caplan highlight the lifelong challenges of the disease and post-polio syndrome.
- Post-polio syndrome causes muscle and bone weakening, joint pain, fatigue, and mobility issues, requiring specialized care.
- Orthopedic treatments for polio-related complications, such as tendon transfers, are becoming rare due to lack of experience.
- Vaccination is emphasized as the best prevention, as there is no cure for polio.
- Polio survivors face barriers to care, as many doctors lack knowledge about the disease.
- Declining vaccination rates and antivax sentiments increase the risk of polio resurgence.
- Insular communities rejecting immunization are particularly vulnerable to undetected outbreaks.
- Experts stress the need for vaccine stockpiles to respond to potential polio recurrences.