What should adults know about poliomyelitis?

Poliovirus may cause no symptoms or a short illness with fever, headache, tiredness, nausea and sore throat. When it affects the nervous system, weakness or paralysis can appear, sometimes beginning in one limb. Muscle weakness can interfere with breathing or swallowing and is an emergency concern.

Adults may not know which childhood vaccines they received, especially after moving between countries. A missing record does not prove that vaccination was missed. A clinician can review available documents and decide whether catch-up vaccination or travel-related advice is appropriate.

Ask a clinic to review your immunisation history before travel to an area with polio transmission or before working in a setting with exposure concerns. Keep hands clean after toilet use and before meals, avoid unsafe water and take local public-health advice seriously. Do not share personal items with someone who may have an infectious illness until advised.

Call emergency services for sudden limb weakness, inability to walk, difficulty swallowing, choking or shortness of breath. Fever followed by a new loss of strength requires prompt assessment. Mention travel, possible exposure, vaccination history and when the weakness began. Do not drive yourself if weakness or breathing difficulty is progressing.

Ask whether your records show adequate protection, whether a catch-up dose is suitable, and what to do before travel. If you have lasting weakness from an old infection, ask about breathing, sleep, mobility and rehabilitation review.