Polio Symptoms & signs
Polio can be a minor illness, known as the abortive type of polio. This occurs in 80%-90% of clinical infections, chiefly in young children, and does not reach the CNS. In this case, symptoms and signs include slight fever, malaise, sore throat, headache, and vomiting 3-5 days after exposure. Recovery occurs in 24-72 hours.
When polio is a major illness, symptoms usually appear without prior illness, particularly in older children and adults, 7-14 days after exposure. Symptoms include
- fever,
- severe headache,
- stiff neck,
- stiff back,
- muscle pain,
- areas of hyperesthesia (increased sensation), and
- paresthesia (altered sensation).