Page last updated
18 January 2022
Polio enters the body through the mouth and is spread by contact with food, liquids, objects or people contaminated with the poliovirus.
FAQ
How do you contract the polio virus?
Symptoms can develop up to 3 weeks after coming into contact with the virus and people are generally most infectious 7–10 days before and after the beginning of symptoms. People remain contagious for as long as the virus continues to be excreted in their faeces (poo), which can be up to 6 weeks.
Sources & Citations
4. Better Health Channel. Polio and post-polio syndrome. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/polio-and-post-polio-syndrome (accessed 07 December 2021).
MAT-AU-2102483 Date of preparation January 2022
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