For those not actually familiar with it, polio can spread into the spine and portions of the brain, killing neurons. This can cause paralysis and severe pain, a

For those not actually familiar with it, polio can spread into the spine and portions of the brain, killing neurons. This can cause paralysis and severe pain, and for some cases affect the ability to breathe. It was the original target of the March of Dimes, which helped provide support and (once available) vaccines. Polio patients with breathing problems are where the "iron lung" was most widely used; it's basically a box or tube for the whole body except the head, with just enough seal and a timed low-level vacuum to allow the lungs to expand then contract when the low pressure is released.