What are the chances of getting polio through the genetic route?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a married woman. I have one daughter of age 3 years. My husband’s brother died at small age due to a polio attack. So is there a chance that my kid will get polio due to genetics? At what age the polio vaccine should be given? Can I protect my kid from polio before she has any symptoms? What is the first sign of polio? Does it spread?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Polio is a disease caused due to viral infection. It is not a genetic disease, so do not worry if there is a family history. The Polio vaccine is safe and protects the child well. It needs to be given during early infancy in three doses and thereafter booster doses. As per the National Policy and National Immunization program, I expect that your child must have received all vaccines in due time unless you have refused them yourself. No recent polio cases have been detected. Just for your information and to answer your question if someone is having active polio, then it can be transmitted through stool contamination. Regarding your husband's brother Polio gives rise to paralysis. It is very unusual that he died of a polio attack. Share the details of the vaccination of your daughter if you have the record, if not, and if you do not remember then it needs to be given now. just let me know and I will suggest you accordingly.

Thank you.