Amazing how little I knew about polio. I looked it up about a week ago, and found it was very much like the current thing going around. Most people who contracted it were mildly sick and recovered. People with compromised immunity were at greatest risk, and the percentage of people suffering bad effects like paralysis was quite low, with adults being more likely to suffer paralysis of the limbs.
The kid (my age) up the street caught it and while he lived he had to where braces and use crutches. We were about 9 and myself and a few of the otherkids use to take away his crutch and taunt him.
We were such as*holes as kids. I cringe when I think of some of the things I said and did.
I have been to Warm Springs Georgia a few times to see The Little White House and what was then the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation for rehabilitation from infantile paralysis.