Advertisement
question

How does polio affect the body?

Donna Hill Howes, RN
Donna Hill Howes, RN
Family Practitioner
answer

Polio affects the body by attacking your central nervous system. It infects the spinal cord, brain and surrounding tissues. Your symptoms vary depending on which area of the spinal cord and brain it attacks.

If you are affected by a lesser strain of poliovirus, you may experience minor symptoms that mirror the flu. However, if you have a harsher strain of poliovirus, known as paralytic polio, then you may undergo more severe symptoms such as limited muscle control, spasms, breathing issues and paralysis.

Continue Learning about Viral Infections

What is mpox—and should you be worried?
What is mpox—and should you be worried?
During the COVID pandemic, people around the world got a crash course in virology and epidemiology. Like it or not, we learned lessons in how bundles ...
Read More
Polio is back—here’s why and what to do about it
Polio is back—here’s why and what to do about it
In the early 1950s, polio was feared. Parents wouldn’t let their kids go outside, pools and theaters were closed, commuting between cities was often r...
Read More
What to know about AFM: the rare polio-like illness
What to know about AFM: the rare polio-like illness
In 2023, there were 18 confirmed cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in the United States out of 40 that were under investigation, according to the ...
Read More
What over-the-counter (OTC) medications help treat viral infections?
What over-the-counter (OTC) medications help treat viral infections? For children and adults, OTC pa...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.