“Minor Illnesses” Being Misdiagnosed as Polio

Dr. Bruno’s Original Post: Symptoms of a "minor" illness that could be polio but possibly not be diagnosed.

"The CDC states most people infected with polio will not have weakness or paralysis. One in four infected people will have flu-like symptoms that include:

  • Sore throat;

  • Headache;

  • Fever;

  • Nausea;

  • Fatigue;

  • Stomach pain.

Symptoms typically last two to five days and then go away without treatment and are not followed by neuron damage, muscle weakness or paralysis."

Question: Is having these flu-like symptoms the same as “non-paralytic” polio?

Dr. Bruno’s Response: No. Flu-like symptoms would be considered "abortive polio" where the virus doesn't enter the central nervous system or cause any damage. "Non-paralytic polio," is where the virus can enter the central nervous system, causes neuron damage and measurable muscle weakness in about 40% of patients.

Richard L. Bruno, HD, PhD

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