Abortive polio is a mild condition that represents 80-90% of visible infections, primarily affecting young children. This form does not impact the central nervous system. Typical symptoms include a slight fever, headache, and vomiting, which appear 3-5 days after exposure to the poliovirus. Recovery usually occurs within 24-72 hours, with no lasting disabilities.In contrast, polio as a major illness often manifests without prior symptoms 7-14 days post-exposure, especially in older children and adults. This form can present with fever, severe headache, stiff neck and back, intense muscle pain, and occasionally areas of heightened or altered sensation. The condition may not progress beyond these symptoms, known as viral or "aseptic" meningitis, but can also result in the loss of reflexes and muscle group weakness or paralysis.Polio can manifest in two primary forms: abortive (minor) or major illness. The major illness can further develop into either aseptic meningitis without paralysis or into paralytic polio. In cases of abortive polio, complete recovery is typical. Recovery is also complete in polio with only aseptic meningitis. However, in paralytic polio, approximately 50% of patients recover without paralysis, around 25% experience mild disabilities, and the remaining individuals endure severe, permanent disabilities.The term "abortive" in this context means "tending to cut short," indicating that abortive polio is a form of the disease that is curtailed.
