Question

Why is polio not given to children suffering from diarrhoea?

Answer 1

In diarrhea, gut motility is increased. Whatever is ingested, comes out quicker.

Polio drops contain attenuated polio virus. Once given, a large proportion of this viral dose stays in intestine and proliferates to show it’s effect.

If given during diarrhea, with increased motility of gut, most of it will be thrown out fast, resulting in to lesser efficacy. For this very reason we wait till diarrhea is over.