Español
Русский
No products in the cart.
Ear Nose and Throat
Diphtheria
27
Jul
Jul
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. You can catch it from a person who has the infection and coughs or sneezes. You can also get infected by coming in contact with an object, such as a toy, that has bacteria on it.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. You can catch it from a person who has the infection and coughs or sneezes. You can also get infected by coming in contact with an object, such as a toy, that has bacteria on it.
Diphtheria usually affects the nose and throat. Symptoms include:
Sore throat
Swollen glands in the neck
Fever
Weakness
Your doctor will diagnose it based on your signs and symptoms and a lab test.
Getting treatment for diphtheria quickly is important. If your doctor suspects that you have it, you’ll start treatment before the lab tests come back. Treatment is with antibiotics.
The diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccine can prevent diphtheria, but its protection does not last forever. Children need another dose, or booster, at about age 12. Then, as adults, they should get a booster every 10 years. Diphtheria is very rare in the United States because of the vaccine.