Diphtheria is a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Although this disease has become rare due to widespread vaccination efforts, it’s essential to understand its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures.
In this blog post, we’ll explore diphtheria in-depth to raise awareness and promote good health practices.
How Do People Get Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through various means:
1. Breathing in Germs
When infected people cough or sneeze, they release tiny droplets containing diphtheria germs into the air.
If you’re nearby and inhale these droplets, you can get infected.
2. Touching Contaminated Surfaces
Diphtheria germs can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, toys, or objects that an infected person has touched.
If you touch these contaminated surfaces and then touch your face, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes, you might get infected.
3. Skin Contact
Although less common, direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s cut or sore can transmit the bacteria.
Signs and Symptoms of Diphtheria
Recognizing the symptoms of diphtheria is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common signs include:
- High Fever: Diphtheria often starts with a high fever.
- Fatigue: Infected individuals may feel extremely tired.
- Bluish Skin: Especially noticeable around the lips.
- Sore Throat: Severe throat pain is a hallmark symptom.
- Difficulty Speaking: Throat inflammation can make speaking challenging.
- Coughing: A persistent cough.
- Headaches: Frequent headaches.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Painful swallowing and eating.
- Rapid Breathing: Breathing becomes faster.
- Nasal Discharge: Sometimes bad-smelling and bloody.
In severe cases, diphtheria can lead to complications affecting the heart and nerves.
Preventing Diphtheria
The most effective way to prevent diphtheria is through vaccination. Ensure your children receive the recommended three doses of diphtheria antitoxin-containing pentavalent vaccine as part of their childhood immunization schedule. This vaccine provides robust protection against the disease.
Healthcare workers should maintain a high suspicion for diphtheria and adhere to standard infection prevention and control precautions when caring for patients.
Pentavalent or TD vaccines, readily available at all Primary Healthcare Centers nationwide, offer the best protection against diphtheria.
Additionally, practicing good hygiene is essential. Regularly wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs, especially before eating or touching your face. This simple habit can go a long way in keeping diphtheria at bay.
Conclusion
Diphtheria may be a rare disease today, thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. However, understanding its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures remains crucial.
By staying informed and ensuring vaccination, we can contribute to a healthier future and the continued rarity of this once-deadly disease. Stay safe, stay healthy!
