What can polio look like?

Early features can include fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, stomach upset, tiredness or muscle aches. These symptoms overlap with many common infections, so appearance alone cannot confirm polio. Some people have no symptoms at all.

When the nervous system is affected, weakness may appear suddenly or progress over time. It can involve an arm, a leg or muscles used for swallowing and breathing. Reflexes may change, and the neck or back may feel stiff. Symptoms can affect one side or several body areas.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if an illness is followed by new weakness, difficulty walking, unusual floppiness or trouble swallowing. Record when symptoms began and mention recent travel, possible exposure and vaccination history. Wash hands with soap and water and follow any public-health instructions.

Vaccination helps protect children from polio. Check the recommended schedule at [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/).

Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, choking, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly worsening weakness or loss of movement. Do not drive someone with severe weakness if breathing may be affected. Fever or aches alone are not specific for polio, but neurological changes should not be watched at home.

Ask which other conditions could explain the symptoms, whether nerve or stool testing is appropriate, and what precautions your household should take while the illness is investigated.