Things to know about diphtheria

Diphtheria is a dangerous infection caused by the diphtheria Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

When infected, Corynebacterium diphtheriae will release toxins that inhibit protein synthesis, damaging tissue in place, creating fake membranes. This toxin will enter the bloodstream, causing thick, gray membranes in the nose, throat, tongue, airways and the heart and kidneys. Patients with diphtheria may have life-threatening complications such as myocarditis, paralysis, or kidney failure.

Diphtheria is contagious

Diphtheria can be transmitted through:

1. Secretion: Spreads directly from the sick person to the healthy person through breathing and coughing.
2. Infected personal items: Healthy people reuse infected person's equipment, in close contact with other articles contaminated with bacterial secretions.
3. House tools are infected.
4. Healed people may also be infected if they touch the wounds of an infected person.

Symptoms of diphtheria

The incubation period for diphtheria usually lasts 2 to 5 days after being infected with the bacteria.

Some people infected with diphtheria bacteria will not show any symptoms, while others will develop mild symptoms similar to the common cold.

Diphtheria pharynx often shows signs of mild fever, sore throat, cough, hoarseness, and loss of appetite. After 2-3 days, a gray, thick patch is formed in the throat and tonsils.

Diphtheria of the anterior nose has signs of runny nose, discharge of mucus and sometimes bloody mucus.

Diphtheria larynx signs of fever, hoarseness, cough.

Diphtheria in other areas often has ulcers in the skin, mucous membranes such as the mucous membranes of the eyes, vagina or ear canal.

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How to prevent diphtheria

Currently, the most effective and safe solution for diphtheria is vaccination. The diphtheria vaccine is usually given in combination with the tetanus and pertussis vaccine in a 5-in-1, 6-in-1 vaccine, or in an expanded immunization program.