What are signs and symptoms of polio?
The signs and symptoms of polio differ depending on the extent of the infection. Signs and symptoms can be divided into paralytic and non-paralytic polio. In non-paralytic polio which accounts for most individuals infected with polio, patients remain asymptomatic or develop only mild flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, malaise, fever, headache, sore throat, and vomiting. The symptoms, if present, may only last 48-72 hours, though usually they last for one to two weeks. Paralytic polio occurs in about 2% of people infected with the polio virus and is a much more serious disease. Symptoms occur as a result of nervous system and spinal cord infection and inflammation. Symptoms can include • abnormal sensation, • breathing difficulty, • difficulty swallowing, • urinary retention, • constipation, • drooling, • headache, • mood swings, • muscle pain and spasms, and • paralysis. Approximately 5%-10% of patients who develop paralytic polio often die from respiratory failure, since they are u
