Management
Poliomyelitis
Treatments and medications. Treatment of poliovirus infection is primarily supportive. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to treat fever. If paralysis ensues, respiratory support may be necessary. Physical therapy may be required to manage the deficits associated with weakness or paralysis.
Counseling and prevention. Immunization according to recommended guidelines is paramount in preventing poliovirus infection. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the use of an all inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) schedule for routine immunization of children in the United States (see Chapter 13).