A call to clinicians to improve screening and intervention of post-polio conditions in older Australians

Key points: 

• Unexplained symptoms such as tiredness in some older Australians could suggest the presence of post-polio conditions, which often present decades after initial infection 
• Polio Australia encourages people to complete the Post-Polio History Form and discuss being screened by their doctor 
• Although post-polio conditions don’t have specific cures, avoiding certain activities can help manage symptoms 

SPONSORED — Older Australians with unexplained symptoms such as tiredness and progressive muscle weakness are urged to see their doctor to discuss screening for post-polio conditions. 

Although there is currently no definitive data on the prevalence of people experiencing post-polio, it is estimated that tens of thousands of individuals are either affected or at risk of developing the condition.

Post-polio syndrome presents in individuals previously affected by late effects of polio and poliomyelitis, typically decades after acute polio infection. While late effects of polio can vary, a sub-category called post-polio syndrome is a diagnosable neurological condition. 

Symptoms such as progressive muscle weakness, fatigue and pain may arise, often challenging accurate diagnosis due to their gradual onset and overlap with other conditions. 

Differentiating post-polio conditions from acute polio is paramount. While acute polio has been eradicated in all countries except for Pakistan and Afghanistan, related complications can occur in people who were previously infected and have appeared to recover. 

Acute polio was the initial viral infection that caused varied, lasting and often hidden damage in numerous body systems. Post-polio conditions are the long-term effects of that damage, appearing and progressing chronically years later without a cure. 

However, even after the eradication of acute polio, older Australians are urged to increase their awareness of post-polio and how this affects their lives by discussing this condition with their doctor so they can be screened. 

Early identification of post-polio conditions is vital for improving the lives of those affected. Individuals who experienced mild or atypical polio symptoms during the epidemic era are also at risk. 

To combat this, doctors should conduct broad screening and history-taking protocols for each patient they suspect to be at risk of post-polio conditions to ensure they can provide comprehensive care and support. 

If you think you could be experiencing post-polio symptoms, complete the Post-Polio History Form and make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your experience of acute polio during your youth, using your completed form for reference. 

Additionally, a clinician may use the Post-Polio Screening Tool in an appointment to determine if you could be experiencing post-polio symptoms. 

Polio Australia wants Australians to remain aware, recognise the signs and start meaningful conversations about late effects of polio. Many people living with post-polio conditions may not even realise the cause of their symptoms, so being understanding is crucial. 

By raising awareness about post-polio conditions, Polio Australia wants to ensure that everyone who has been touched by polio — whether in the past in an epidemic or today after developing post-polio symptoms — gets the care they deserve. 

If you are diagnosed with a post-polio condition, you may wonder what you can do to reduce associated symptoms. While there are not yet any cures for post-polio conditions, avoiding certain activities could improve your quality of life, including: 

• excessive exercise that causes pain or tiredness; 
• spending long periods in cold environments; and
• moving around without walking aids if they are required. 

Acute polio was circulating in epidemic patterns across Australia, seventy years before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time of fear and uncertainty until a vaccine was developed and made available in Australia in the late 1950s. 

For those who were symptomatic with polio — viral symptoms or worse — the challenges of the acute illness were not the end of their polio experience. 

Post-polio conditions are a present-day challenge as many individuals experience delayed long-term effects decades after their initial polio infection. It is one post-viral condition for which awareness remains low. 

Would you request a post-polio screening from your doctor as an older Australian?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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