Diphtheria Vaccination

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Diphtheria is a severe bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

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.

Does diphtheria still exist?

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.

Can you recover from diphtheria?

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.

Is there diphtheria in Canada?

Diphtheria is rare in Canada due to immunization.

How fatal was diphtheria?

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.

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