What are the stages of polio?

The stages of polio can include:

Incubation period: This is the time between exposure to the poliovirus and the development of symptoms. This period can last for up to 3 weeks.

Minor illness: About 90% of people infected with polio will experience a minor illness with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms usually go away within a few days.

Nonparalytic polio: About 1 in 200 people infected with polio will develop nonparalytic polio. This condition can cause more severe symptoms such as headache, neck stiffness, back pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis. These symptoms usually go away within a few weeks, but some people may have permanent muscle weakness.

Paralytic polio: About 1 in 200 people infected with polio will develop paralytic polio. This condition can cause sudden weakness or paralysis in the arms, legs, or both. The paralysis can be permanent and can lead to serious complications such as difficulty breathing, kidney failure, and even death.

The symptoms of polio can vary depending on the strain of the virus and the person's immune system. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may develop only mild symptoms. However, in severe cases, polio can cause permanent paralysis and even death.