However, patients are potentially contagious as long as the virus is present in the throat or feces. The virus persists in the throat for approximately one week after the onset of illness and is excreted in the feces for several weeks or, occasionally, months. There are three types of polio virus. A person who has a certain type of polio will be immune from that type for life, but may still get polio from a different type of polio virus. There is presently no cure for polio.
Treatment involves supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Complications include paralysis, most commonly of the legs. Paralysis of the muscles needed for breathing and swallowing can be fatal. Multiple doses are required for each type of vaccine. Sometimes a combination of both types is used. Your doctor or health department may give you more information about the different types of vaccine.