Following the development of the new Salk Polio vaccine, Elvis Presley, then at the peak of his powers in 1956, was asked to become a figurehead for Polio vaccination. By agreeing to be vaccinated in front of the press, he instantly spread awareness of the disease and it’s potentially deadly consequences. Now, 50 years later, the Polio movement needs another ‘Elvis moment’ to confront Post Polio Syndrome (PPS).
While Polio remains a problem, there were just 74 cases worldwide in the last year. With the war against Polio close to being won, it is now time for PPS’s ‘Elvis moment’. A lack of recognition and awareness is causing serious problems for people living with a condition that affects 120,000 people in the UK alone. With symptoms including fatigue, muscle pain, cold intolerance, and breathing difficulties, PPS is always painful and often life-altering. Yet with just 55 per cent of doctors able to diagnose the condition, many patients are failing to receive the help that could significantly improve their lives.
In the absence of an Elvis-like figurehead to spread the word of PPS, The British Polio Fellowship has produced a guide entitled Post Polio Syndrome: A guide to management for health care professionals. You can get a copy for free on our website or by calling us, and I would highly recommend anyone who thinks they might have PPS to read a copy and to show it to their doctor.
