What Is Polio?
Polio is an infection caused by a virus,
called the poliovirus. It was once very common in the U.S. and feared, because it
caused paralysis and could be deadly. After doctors started giving a polio vaccine
in the 1950s, the number of cases fell rapidly. No new cases of polio have started
in the U.S. since 1979. But it is still a problem in parts of Asia and Africa.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Polio?
Most people who get infected with polio (short for poliomyelitis) have no symptoms.
Some people have only mild flu-like symptoms, so they may not even suspect that
they have polio. These symptoms can include:
Rarely, the virus affects the brain and spinal cord, causing much more serious
symptoms, such as:
- Meningitis.
The polio virus can infect the meninges, which are the membranes around the brain
and spinal cord. This causes a severe headache, a stiff neck, and sensitivity to light
(when light hurts or bothers the eyes).
- Muscle weakness or paralysis. The virus can destroy the nerve
cells that control muscles. When this happens, the muscles get painful and weaker
until they stop working. When a person can't use their muscles, their body becomes
floppy and can't move — known as paralysis. This can be life-threatening if
it affects the breathing muscles and a person can't breathe.
Is Polio Contagious?
Polio is very contagious. The virus enters the body through the mouth and grows
in the throat and intestines. It then spreads to other people via saliva (spit) or
feces (poop). People can come into contact with the virus when:
- They have direct contact with the poop of an infected person, or touch an object
contaminated with the poop.
- An infected person coughs or sneezes on them.
- They eat foods or drink liquids contaminated with the virus. This can happen if
they share food or utensils with an infected person. It also can happen if sewage
water contaminates the food or drink.
An infected person can have the virus in their throat for 1–2 weeks, and
in their poop for up to 6 weeks or longer. Even someone who has no symptoms can pass
the virus to other people.
How Is Polio Treated?
There is no cure for polio, only treatments to manage symptoms. Mild cases usually
are treated with plenty of fluids and bed rest.
Someone who has muscle pain or weakness will get medicine to treat the pain, and
physical therapy to keep
the muscles moving. If their breathing muscles are affected, they might need help
from a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine). The ventilator moves air in and
out of the lungs until the person can do it on their own.
How Long Does Polio Last?
People who have milder polio symptoms usually make a full recovery within 1–2
weeks. People whose symptoms are more severe can be weak or paralyzed for life, and
some may die.
After recovery, a few people might develop "post-polio syndrome" as long as 30–40
years after their initial illness. Over time, they develop pain or weakness in their
muscles or joints, and might feel very tired.
Can Polio Be Prevented?
Polio is a preventable disease. The best way to protect children is to make sure
they get a polio vaccine.
The vaccine makes the infection-fighting immune
system create antibodies against the virus. The antibodies will fight the virus
if it ever enters the body.
Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV)
In the U.S., kids get the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) when they're 2 months,
4 months, 6–18 months, and 4–6 years old. IPV contains an inactive form
of the virus, so it can't cause polio.
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
In other parts of the world, kids might also get oral polio vaccine (OPV). This
liquid vaccine is cheaper and easier to give to many people. Because it's not an injection,
it doesn't have to be given by a trained health care provider.
OPV will be in the spit and poop of those who get the vaccine. So it can spread
to other people the same way the virus does. If it spreads to someone who isn't vaccinated,
it can trigger that person's immune system to create antibodies. They'll be immunized
even though they didn't get the vaccine directly.
OPV contains a weak form of the live virus, so very rarely it can cause polio.
That's why it is no longer used in the U.S.
OPV doses given before April 2016 can count toward a child's U.S. polio vaccination
requirements. Doses given after that will not count.
What Else Should I Know?
Health groups are working to wipe out polio throughout the world, with much success.
But several countries still have polio. If you plan to travel outside the U.S., particularly
to Africa and Asia, be sure that you and your kids have gotten all your needed polio
vaccinations.
Date reviewed: February 2020
