About Polio
What is Polio?
Polio (medically referred to as poliomyelitis) is a serious but preventable disease caused by a virus called poliovirus. It can affect both children and adults, and in some cases, it can lead to paralysis or even death.
Polio spreads through food, water, or hands that have come into contact with poop or saliva from someone who’s infected. You don’t even need to feel ill to spread it—some people don’t show any symptoms at all but can still pass on the virus.
The virus can stay in the throat for 1-2 weeks and in poop for up to 6 weeks. People are usually most contagious about a week before and after symptoms begin.
You’re most at risk if you haven’t been vaccinated. Certain groups are more vulnerable, including pregnant women, babies and young children, older adults and people with weak immune systems.
You’re also at higher risk if you:
- travel to a place where polio is still common (e.g. Afghanistan, Pakistan) or where there’s been a recent outbreak.
- live with or care for someone who has polio.
- are around someone recently given the oral polio vaccine, if you’re not vaccinated yourself.
Key Facts
- Polio is a serious highly infectious disease
- Everyone (children and adults) should get vaccinated to stay protected.
- Symptoms can be as mild as the flu, or as serious as paralysis, or even death.
- People who have had polio may experience effects later in life, when physical symptoms emerge years after the first polio infection.
New to the UK?
Different countries offer different vaccines, so if you’ve moved to the UK, it’s a good idea to register with a GP and check with your doctor to make sure you and your children have had all the vaccines offered for free.
If you’ve missed any vaccines, you may still need protection, even as an adult. Your GP can tell you if you need any catch-up doses.