What is Diphtheria?
It is a fatal disease. After contact with the disease the incubation period is about 3 days, after which symptoms occur in the form of fever, tiredness and sore throat. This develops with the production of a thick grey exudates and difficulty in swallowing.
Who is at risk of Diphtheria?
Any traveller to an endemic area; that is: an area where the disease is constantly present with low levels of infection. Areas of high infection include Eastern Europe as well as developing countries.
How can I prevent Diphtheria?
The best method of protection is vaccination. In the UK, diphtheria vaccination is part of the routine immunisation programme and is given in a combined vaccine with tetanus as a primary dose and reinforced for the purpose of travel. Current UK guidelines state that as for tetanus vaccine, a total of five doses of the vaccine are considered to give lifelong immunity. It is also important to recognise that a mild form of diphtheria can still occur in immunised people.
Note: This information is designed to complement and not replace the relationship that exists with your existing family doctor or travel health professional. Â Please discuss your travel health requirements with your regular family doctor or practice nurse.