Diphtheria

Symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after coming into contact with the bacteria but can start up to 10 days later. Diphtheria symptoms depend on the type of infection.

Some people have no symptoms, but they can still pass the infection to others.

Respiratory diphtheria

Respiratory diphtheria affects the throat and airways.

Symptoms can include:

• sore throat
• runny nose
• fever
• swollen glands in the neck (and sometimes, major swelling on both sides of the neck, called ‘bull neck’)
• trouble swallowing and noisy breathing
• a hoarse voice that gets worse over time
• a white or grey film can form over the throat and tonsils, which can make it hard to breathe.

Cutaneous diphtheria

Cutaneous diphtheria affects the skin.

Symptoms can include:

• skin sores that do not heal
• ulcers on exposed areas of the body, especially the legs.

People with diphtheria need antibiotics and may also need:

• diphtheria antitoxin
• hospital care
• support with breathing.

You may need to stay away from work, school or childcare until you are cleared to return.

Diphtheria can spread from person to person through:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Close contact with an infected person
• Contact with infected skin sores
• Touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the bacteria.
• Rarely, it can be spread from animals through contact or consuming raw milk.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the best protection against diphtheria.

In Australia, the diphtheria vaccine is given as part of a combined vaccine. It’s often called DTPa or dTpa. It protects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis).

Diphtheria vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program for:

• babies and children at the age of 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age and 4 years of age
• young people aged 11-13 years through the School Immunisation Program
• people under 20 years of age who have not had all their recommended childhood vaccines
• every pregnancy (a single dose of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine).

Adolescents and adults who have never had a diphtheria containing vaccine are recommended to receive a primary course of 3 doses of a diphtheria containing vaccine given at least 4 weeks apart.

Diphtheria vaccines are free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland who are aged 20 years and over, for:

• a full course of 3 doses (at least 4 weeks apart) if you haven’t had all 3 doses before
• a booster dose if you’ve had at least 3 doses before, but your last one was more than 10 years ago.
• a booster dose if you’ve had at least 3 doses before, but your last one was more than 5 years ago and you are travelling to a high-risk area mentioned on the Australian CDC website.

You should also get vaccinated if you’re:

• 20 years and over and haven’t had a full course of diphtheria vaccines
• 50 years and over and haven’t had a booster dose in the past 10 years
• travelling to countries where diphtheria is more common
• travelling to areas where it may be hard to access health care
• a laboratory worker.

Talk to your GP, nurse or immunisation provider if you’re not sure whether you or your child is up to date.

Getting vaccinated is easy. Find out where to get vaccinated.

It is good to check how much your vaccination consultation will cost when booking an appointment with your vaccine provider.

The vaccine can have side effects, but most are mild and go away quickly. Side effects can include fever, redness or soreness where the injection was given, nausea, headache, tiredness, and aching muscles. Contact your immunisation provider if you or your child has a reaction that worries you.

Preventing disease spread

You can reduce your risk of getting diphtheria and stop it from spreading by:

• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

• Putting used tissues in the bin straight away

• Washing your hands often with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand rubs
• Limiting close contact with others when you are sick, particularly babies, older people and people with weak immune systems
• Keeping cuts, sores, or wounds clean and covered
• Not sharing used items like cups, utensils or towels

If you have had contact with a person with diphtheria

If you have had close contact with someone with diphtheria, you may also need to be checked. This usually means taking swabs from:

• your nose
• your throat
• any skin sores or ulcers

Your vaccination history will be checked, and you may need a diphtheria vaccine.

Some close contacts need to stay away from work, school or childcare until cleared to return.

A Queensland Health public health unit will assist in identifying who may need this follow-up.

13 HEALTH (call 13 43 25 84)
Immunise Australia (call 1800 671 811)
School Immunisation Program

Help and assistance

For more information about diphtheria, please contact your local doctor, community health centre, or nearest public health unit. You can be immunised at your local doctor or medical centre. Check with your local pharmacy, council, community child health and community health centre regarding immunisation clinics.

Healthdirect

Diphtheria