Diphtheria: A Serious but Preventable Disease

 

What is Diphtheria?

In this blogpost, you will learn:

• Diphtheria: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Protect Yourself from Diphtheria
• 
  
  Diphtheria Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
• The Ultimate Guide to Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacteria infection that can cause serious illness and death. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This bacterium produces a toxin that can damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system.

How is Diphtheria Transmitted?

Diphtheria is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or they can be inhaled into the lungs.

Symptoms of Diphtheria

The symptoms of diphtheria can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Mild cases may only cause a sore throat, fever, and fatigue. However, more severe cases can lead to complications such as:

• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Paralysis
• Death

Diagnosis of Diphtheria

Diphtheria can be diagnosed by a laboratory test of a throat swab. This test can identify the bacterium that causes diphtheria and determine whether it is producing the toxin.

Treatment for Diphtheria

There is no specific treatment for diphtheria. However, the infection can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can help to kill the bacteria and prevent the toxin from being produced.

Prevention of Diphtheria

The best way to prevent diphtheria is to get vaccinated. The diphtheria vaccine is a combination vaccine that also protects against tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). The vaccine is given in a series of shots, starting at 2 months of age.

Other Preventive Measures

In addition to vaccination, there are other preventive measures that can help to reduce the risk of diphtheria. These measures include:

• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Washing your hands frequently
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Conclusion

The federal government of Nigeria has announced over 790 diphtheria cases and 80 deaths and counting. Diphtheria is a serious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. If you are not sure whether you have been vaccinated against diphtheria, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine whether you need to get vaccinated and can answer any questions you have about the vaccine.