Before The Polio Vaccine
The polio epidemic began in the 1950's. Millions of children were affected by this deadly disease. Before the polio vaccine many kids and families lived in fear of contracting the disease. People were so afraid of the disease because there was little to prevent it, and contracting it could result in death or paralysis. Parents seldom let their kids out of the house besides school because so many kids had polio. Public places like swimming pools were empty. Many parents sent their kids out to live in the country because there were fewer people there, and it was less likely that they could contract the disease.
Life For Polio Victims Before The Vaccine
Once you had contracted the disease, there was no cure. Victims were often isolated in hospitals, away from their families. The only treatment to help the disease was intensive physical therapy. This included hot baths, scalding hot rocks, and painful pulling and pushing of arms and legs. Many children spent months or years in Iron Lungs. An Iron Lung is a large metal container. The polio victim laid inside the machine which helped them breathe. Being in an iron lung was uncomfortable, unpleasant, and depressing. Other patients used walkers or wheelchairs. Even after their treatment , may victims were ridiculed and discriminated against because of their disabilities.