Luxor, Egypt
Discover Ancient Wonders in Luxor, Egypt!
Originally called 'Thebes' in ancient Egypt, Luxor is often referred to as the "world's greatest open-air museum" due to its abundance of ancient temples and monuments.
- The Avenue of Sphinxes, which connected the Luxor Temple to the Karnak Temple, was once lined with hundreds of sphinx statues. Today, a restoration project is underway to uncover and restore this ancient pathway.
- A visit to the Temple of Luxor is a must-do experience. The temple is beautifully illuminated at night and provides a stunning backdrop for an evening stroll.
- The city has a thriving market, known as the Luxor Souq or the Khan El Khalili market, where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts, spices, jewelry, and souvenirs.
- When you are there, be sure to sample the local street food, such as Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) and Kofta (grilled minced meat).
It is strongly recommended that travelers to Luxor, Egypt ensure they are up to date with their routine vaccinations including the polio vaccination. Rockdoc’s Travel Medicine Professionals stay up to date with destination-specific advice concerning current risks and local outbreaks.
What is Polio?
Polio, short for poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects young children and can lead to paralysis or even death. The virus is transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person.
How to Prevent Polio?
Prevention of Polio includes practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and immunization.
Is Polio Vaccine Necessary?
Polio vaccination has played a crucial role in the global effort to control and eradicate polio. The polio vaccine is highly effective in preventing polio infection and its associated complications. Routine polio vaccination is part of childhood immunization programs in many countries.
However, additional doses of the polio vaccine, particularly the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), may be recommended for individuals who are traveling to areas where polio is endemic or experiencing outbreaks. These recommendations can vary based on the destination, duration of travel, and the person’s vaccination history.
To find out if your destination(s) require the Polio vaccine, consult a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional here.
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Is Polio Serious Disease?
Symptoms of Polio
Majority of polio cases are asymptomatic or result in mild illness.
Non-paralytic polio:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Stiffness in the neck and back
- Muscle pain
- Discomfort
In rare cases, the virus can attack the nerves and cause muscle weakness or paralysis, typically in the legs.
Paralytic polio:
- Muscle weakness
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes
In most cases (around 90%), polio causes no symptoms at all (asymptomatic). However, in a small percentage of cases, the disease can cause severe complications. Paralysis can be partial or complete and may be accompanied by decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes.
Polio Fast Facts
- Polio is emerging in parts of the world that haven’t had cases in decades.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent polio. It is highly effective in preventing polio infection and its associated complications.
- The virus is transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person.
Routine polio vaccination is part of childhood immunization programs in many countries. A polio vaccine may be recommended when traveling to areas where polio is endemic or experiencing outbreaks. Recommendations may vary based on the destination, duration of travel, and the person’s vaccination history. Book an online travel medical consultation for peace of mind while abroad.
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