Don't Let Them Bring Back Polio

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Polio was a disease that devastated the United States in the 1950s, but with concerted efforts towards vaccination, is now on the verge of eradication. With the disease a distant memory for most, it's easy to miss the fact that there are still those suffering the effects of the disease decades after its initial strike.

Posted by Tor at 11:34 AM | 8 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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This was likely the last interview the last three people in iron lungs gave. Only one is left but the suffering remains.

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MPGA!

#1 | Posted by censored at 2025-04-15 11:14 AM | Reply

Years ago I was asked to consult for a lady that was on a ventilator due to childhood polio. She was having panic attacks. Nursing staff wanted me to prescribe Valium to keep her calm. Apparently the power went out a few weeks ago and she almost died. Obtained battery backup and attached her system to the facility generator and problem solved. No more panic attacks when storms threatened. Interesting person that had grown up in an Iron Lung and transitioned to a ventilator in the late 80's.

#2 | Posted by mattm at 2025-04-15 11:15 AM | Reply

When I was a kid, not too long before Salk's vaccine came out, the big fear regarding polio was its terrifying symbol: the iron lung.
This is nothing to screw around with.

#3 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-04-15 11:20 AM | Reply

Oh look.
Another Kryptonite thread for Republicans.

#4 | Posted by snoofy at 2025-04-15 11:33 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Ian Drury had polio.

#5 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-04-15 01:48 PM | Reply

Dury.

What this country needs is more sex and drugs and rock and roll.

#6 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-04-15 01:50 PM | Reply

#6 | POSTED BY LEGALLYYOURDEAD AT 2025-04-15 01:50 PM | FLAG:

Very good indeed!

#7 | Posted by cbob at 2025-04-15 03:58 PM | Reply

My great uncle had polio when he was a child. It left him physically and mentally impaired and unable to live on his own for his entire life. He lived with us in his later years until my mother was no longer able to adequately care for him. He was one of the rare cases where it led to encephalitis. He was a good, kind man. I miss him.

#8 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2025-04-15 04:57 PM | Reply