What should you know about incubation period of poliomyelitis?

Incubation is the time from exposure to the first symptoms. Early illness, when it occurs, can look like a nonspecific viral infection, with fever, sore throat, headache, nausea or tiredness. A small number of infections affect the nervous system and may cause severe muscle pain, stiffness, weakness or difficulty breathing. Symptoms alone cannot establish whether poliovirus is present.

Because a person can carry and spread poliovirus without clear illness, vaccination status and exposure history are central to assessment. Review [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) records with a healthcare professional.

Contact a doctor or public-health service promptly after known contact with polio or travel to an area where it circulates. Provide the exposure date, travel details and immunisation record. Until advised otherwise, wash hands thoroughly after toilet use and before food preparation, and avoid close contact if you are unwell. Do not wait for paralysis before seeking advice.

Get urgent medical help for new weakness, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, severe neck or back stiffness, or rapidly worsening illness. A fever or headache on its own has many possible causes, but recent exposure, incomplete vaccination or relevant travel makes prompt assessment more important.

Ask whether your immunisations are up to date, whether testing or public-health notification is needed, and which symptoms should trigger emergency care during the observation period.