Diphtheria Summary 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 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Start Here About Diphtheria Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diphtheria Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Travelers’ Health: Diphtheria Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Diphtheria National Institutes of Health Array Diphtheria Children Diphtheria (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Diphtheria Disease Villain Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Patient Handouts Diphtheria and the Vaccine (Shot) to Prevent It: Information for Parents Array Specifics Diphtheria Complications Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Treatments and Therapies Diphtheria Diagnosis and Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Images Diphtheria Photos Immunization Action Coalition Symptoms Diphtheria Symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prevention and Risk Factors MedlinePlus: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines National Library of Medicine Journal Articles Diphtheria Statistics and Research Statistics on Diphtheria World Health Organization
