What are the symptoms of polio?
Between 70% and 95% of people infected with poliovirus don’t have symptoms. Of those with symptoms, most people have the mildest form (abortive poliomyelitis) with flu-like and intestinal symptoms. Paralytic polio causes the most serious symptoms, including paralysis.
Symptoms of abortive poliomyelitis
Abortive poliomyelitis symptoms are similar to many other illnesses. They start three to seven days after getting infected and last a few days. Symptoms of abortive poliomyelitis include:
Fatigue.
Fever.
Headache.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Sore throat.
Symptoms of non-paralytic poliomyelitis
Non-paralytic poliomyelitis starts with the same symptoms as abortive poliomyelitis. Additional symptoms start within a few days, including:
Neck stiffness.
Pain or pins-and-needles feeling in your arms and legs.
Severe headache.
Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Symptoms of paralytic poliomyelitis
Paralytic poliomyelitis starts out with symptoms similar to abortive poliomyelitis or non-paralytic poliomyelitis. Additional symptoms can appear days or weeks later, including:
Sensitivity to touch.
Muscle spasms.
In addition:
Spinal poliomyelitis makes it so you can’t move your arms or legs or both (paralysis).
Bulbar poliomyelitis makes it hard to breathe, swallow and speak.
Bulbospinal poliomyelitis has symptoms of both spinal and bulbar polio.
Symptoms of polioencephalitis
You can have symptoms of polioencephalitis on their own or along with flu-like symptoms. Symptoms include:
Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
Anxiety.
Trouble focusing.
Seizures.
What causes polio?
Polio is caused by a virus (poliovirus). Poliovirus infects your throat and intestines, causing flu-like symptoms. It can then spread to your brain and spine, causing paralysis.
