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Diphtheria Vaccination
Reviewed by Robyn Van Winssen (RPh, APA, BSP, CTH)
Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. It is uncommon in developed countries due to widespread vaccination, but still prevalent in areas with limited healthcare and vaccination access.
The diphtheria toxin can lead to complications such as damage to the respiratory tract, heart, kidneys, and nerves. It can also result in breathing problems, heart damage, and nerve damage, and in advanced stages, it can be fatal, especially in young children. The disease is mainly a threat to unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated individuals and is highly contagious, with a mortality rate of 5-10%, and even higher in young children.
Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is transmitted through close contact with an infected person’s discharge from the nose, throat, or skin.
The diphtheria vaccine is included in the tetanus vaccine and recommended to be booster every 1 years.
Diphtheria Symptoms
Diphtheria symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after infection and may include:
- A thick grey-white coating in the throat, nose, and tongue
- High fever
- Nasal discharge
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- In cases of cutaneous diphtheria (infection of the skin), symptoms may involve pus-filled blisters, large ulcers, and red, sore-looking skin surrounding the ulcers
Get Protected
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a travel health specialist to assess the specific vaccination recommendations based on the travel itinerary and individual health considerations. To ensure your protection against Diphtheria, schedule an appointment for the vaccine at Mint Health + Drugs.
Our pharmacists can offer valuable information on required and recommended vaccinations, as well as essential tips for maintaining good health while traveling. Get in touch or book an appointment with our Travel Consultation Pharmacists.
Diphtheria FAQs
Yes, diphtheria still exists and continues to cause illness globally. While it is rare in Canada and other developed countries due to widespread vaccination, the disease persists in many parts of the world with limited healthcare and vaccination access.
Yes, it is possible to recover from diphtheria with prompt and appropriate treatment. Treatment for diphtheria typically involves the administration of diphtheria antitoxin to stop organ damage and antibiotics to fight the infection. With treatment, most people with diphtheria survive, but recovery is often slow.
Diphtheria is rare in Canada due to immunization.
Diphtheria is a serious and potentially fatal disease. The mortality rate for diphtheria is reported to be between 5% and 10%, with a higher mortality rate in young children.
If you have an upcoming appointment, please fill out the Pre-Appointment form at least 48 hours before the appointment.
Edmonton and Surrounding Regions
Mint Health + Drugs Meridian
Suite 2, 4402 37 Street, Stony Plain, AB
Mint Health + Drugs Sherwood
#109, 65 Chippewa Road, Sherwood Park, AB
Calgary and Surrounding Regions
Mint Health + Drugs Blue Bottle
148 17 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 1L6
Mint Health + Drugs Langdon
#107, 355 Centre Street, Langdon, AB
Mint Health + Drugs Crystal Ridge
Unit 5, 55 Wheatland Trail, Strathmore, AB
Travel Clinic Locations
If you have an upcoming appointment, please fill out the Pre-Appointment form at least 48 hours before the appointment.
FEATURED ARTICLE
What You Should Know Before You Travel
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Traveling can be one of the most fulfilling things in life, but many people don’t recognize the dangers of it. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or traveling for business, travelling to almost any part of the world carries its own health risks. That’s why it’s so important to seek professional advice from a healthcare professional. […]
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