What is polio?

Poliovirus spreads mainly through contact with infected stool and can enter the body through the mouth. Many infected people have no obvious symptoms or have a mild illness. In some cases, the infection affects the brain or spinal cord. This can cause muscle weakness, reduced movement, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems. Weakness may be uneven and can worsen quickly, so a change in movement deserves prompt medical attention.

Polio is different from ordinary muscle aches or a routine cold. A clinician considers symptoms, examination findings, vaccination history, and exposure when deciding whether testing or specialist care is needed.

Check that children and adults in the household are up to date with recommended childhood immunisation and keep vaccination records available. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet or changing nappies and before preparing food. If someone has new weakness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing changes, arrange urgent medical assessment rather than waiting for symptoms to pass. Do not share personal items that may be contaminated with body fluids.

Get emergency help for sudden or worsening weakness, inability to move an arm or leg, trouble breathing, choking, difficulty swallowing, or loss of consciousness. A child who becomes floppy or cannot stand or walk as usual needs immediate assessment. Contact a clinician promptly after possible exposure if vaccination is incomplete or symptoms develop, because early evaluation helps protect the patient and close contacts.

Ask whether your family’s immunisation records are complete, whether a recent travel or exposure history changes the advice, and which symptoms should prompt emergency care. If weakness is present, ask what tests and rehabilitation support may be needed.