The infection set in slowly. At first, it probably felt like a cold with fever, congestion, and achy joints. but maybe a week later, the boy’s legs started to give out from under him, and his fever spiked above 100. the virus that first settled in the intestines had multiplied thousands-fold and moved on to attack its prized target — his nervous system. the infection overtook crucial nerves of his respiratory system and the boy lost his ability to breathe on his own.

National Museum of Health and Medicine

At its peak in 1952, more than 21,000 Americans contracted a paralyzing form of polio, and 3,000 died from it. once infected, there was no treatment besides time and tending to the symptoms.