Diphtheria
Symptoms of diphtheria
Source: NHS
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The symptoms of diphtheria usually begin two to seven days after you become infected.
The time it takes for symptoms to develop is called the incubation period.
If you have diphtheria, a grey-white coating (membrane) can develop inside your throat. It covers the back of your throat and tonsils, and can obstruct your breathing.
Symptoms of diphtheria also include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- chills
- fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Strep throat
- hoarse voice
- cough
- headache
- difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- difficulty breathing
- foul-smelling, bloodstained nasal discharge
- swollen glands (nodes) in the neck
- pale, blue skin
Diphtheria that affects the skin
Diphtheria can occasionally affect the skin rather than the throat. This is known as cutaneous diphtheria.
If you have cutaneous diphtheria, you will develop pus-filled spots on your skin, usually on your legs, feet and hands. These blisters and spots will form into a large ulcer surrounded by a red patch of discoloured, sore-looking skin. The ulcer usually heals within two to three months, but it's likely to leave a scar .
Articles for Diphtheria
Complications of diphtheria
Diphtheria can cause potentially life-threatening complications, such as breathing difficulties and problems with the heart and nervous system.
Diphtheria vaccination
The most effective way of preventing diphtheria is to ensure that all of your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Introduction
Diphtheria is a potentially fatal contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin. It is very rare in England.
Symptoms of diphtheria
Symptoms of diphtheria can include a fever, chills, a sore throat and extreme tiredness. They begin two to seven days after you become infected.
Treating diphtheria
Diphtheria is treated using antibiotics and antitoxins. You will be immediately referred to hospital and admitted toan isolation ward to stop it from spreading.
