Well, that's because 95% of the time it is asymptomatic and presents itself as the flu.
"Polio is caused by one of three types of poliovirus, which are members of the Enterovirus genus.
In about 95% of all polio cases, the person has no symptoms at all. These are known as asymptomatic cases. The rest of polio cases can be divided into three types: abortive polio, non-paralytic polio, and paralytic polio.
•Abortive polio: In these cases, polio is a mild illness, with viral-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, nausea, and diarrhea.
•Non-paralytic polio: These cases typically involve the symptoms of abortive polio, with additional neurological symptorms, such as sensitivity to light and neck stiffness.
•Paralytic polio: The first signs of paralytic polio, after an initial period of viral-like symptoms, typically begin with loss of superficial reflexes and muscle pain or spasms. Paralysis, usually asymmetric, follows. Fewer than 1%-2% of people who contract polio become paralyzed. In most cases of paralytic polio, the patient recovers completely. However, for a certain number of people, paralysis or muscle weakness remains for life."
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