What happened during the United States polio epidemics of the 1940s and 1950s? How did these epidemics affect the daily lives of families and children?

Between 1940's and 1950's the United States suffered the most serious and major outbreak of polio.

The disease cut across genders and social status. The figures were shocking. More than 50,000 children were infected and thousands of them were paralyzed. Other thousands, unfortunatelt, died.

Many public places were shut down so as to prevent polio from spreading, as it is a communicable disease. Because there was not too much information about polio familes went crazy and were totally fearful of letting their children play outside their houses or mingle with other kids. In addition, many insurance companies took advantage of this serious problem and started selling insurances for babies.

The hospitals were crowded with kids so doctors had to prepare special units exclusively for polio treatment.