Polio – from pandemic to endemic

When I finished school I remember I was so happy that I would never do any home work again. No more exams. No rehearsals. But no. I was so wrong. You always need to keep and stay updated with news, laws etc in society. Very important, especially now during the Corona restrictions. I spend quite a lot of time to read and I love languages. I was happy that I remembered some Norwegian, and today I thought I should write some in French . I just have to think for a while. French is unique since you can say almost anything, but writing is something completely different. France is having very strict Corona rules during Christmas time.

Immunology is a very interesting field. Today there are several biological drugs commercially available interfering with specific immunological systems in the body in chronic diseases. Our body needs a healthy defence against eg microbes if we get a wound. Complicated chemical cascades get activated to protect the body. Among those inflammation. Also against a virus. In the late 1940s there was a peak of Polio. This Polio virus sometimes generated severe neurological symptoms. Some people did only have flue like symptoms such as sore throat, head ache, vomiting, fatigue etc. The emergency rooms took care of patients with eg loss of reflexes, muscle aches or weakness, loose and floppy limbs. Similar to today where COVID-19 instead affects our lungs. Even though these viruses are not alike, it is interesting to compare the development for hampering and preventing these diseases. Polio is today almost eradicated, but a couple of countries still work actively with vaccines. From pandemic to endemic. For further reading, please read and browse:

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03045-2

It is indeed important to know medical history. That can be useful in understanding current viral medical challenge. Education is important, but sometimes you need some rest from this pandemic. That is also important. I try to get into a Christmas mood, and this evening I made a saffron cake. Sharing some educational cheering up with John Cleese.

Stay safe