Polio infection: symptoms, spread and care

Poliovirus usually enters through the mouth and can spread when hygiene is poor, especially through contact with contaminated stool. Some people have no noticeable illness. Others develop fever, tiredness, headache, sore throat, nausea or stomach upset. In a smaller group, the infection reaches the nervous system and may cause neck or back stiffness, muscle pain, weakness or paralysis. The serious form can interfere with swallowing or breathing. Symptoms alone cannot confirm polio, because other infections can look similar.

Contact a healthcare professional if you develop new weakness, marked tiredness with fever, or symptoms after close contact with a suspected case. Mention travel, household exposure and immunisation history. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet or changing nappies, clean shared bathroom surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Vaccination remains the key preventive measure; read [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) for more.

Seek emergency care for new or worsening weakness, inability to move a limb, choking or difficulty swallowing, a weak cough, or breathing difficulty. Also seek prompt help for severe drowsiness or inability to keep fluids down. Neurological symptoms require rapid assessment even if the initial fever or stomach symptoms seemed mild.

Ask whether your symptoms require infection testing, how to protect household members, whether close contacts need assessment, and whether your immunisations are up to date. Ask what changes should trigger emergency help.