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Diphtheria

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Diphtheria

 

Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that affects the upper respiratory tract (throat and nose). Occasionally it can affect the skin.

 

It is usually spread through coughing and sneezing, through close contact or sharing of items with someone who has already been infected.

 

Diphtheria is widespread in many areas outside of the UK, including:

 

  • the South Pacific
  • Asia
  • Eastern Europe
  • the Caribbean
  • the Middle East

 

However, places deemed high risk can alter. For the most recent information please consult the
TravelHealth Pro country guides

Symptoms

 

The incubation period of diphtheria is 2 to 5 days. After contracting the infection, symptoms will begin to present themselves within this time.

 

Common symptoms of diphtheria include:

 

  • a sore throat
  • a headache
  • difficulty in swallowing and breathing
  • a high temperature (38C or above)
  • feeling nauseous
  • thick grey-white coating in the back of your throat
  • swollen neck glands

In the more unlikely scenario where diphtheria affects the skin (cutaneous diphtheria), symptoms can include:

 

  • Ulcers surrounded by red and sore skin
  • Pus-filled blisters on your legs, hands and feet

Treatment

 

Diagnosis of diphtheria is usually achieved through a swab test of the mouth and throat. Prescribed antibiotics are available to kill the diphtheria bacteria and other medicines are also available to stop the effects of the harmful substances produced by this bacteria.

 

 

Prevention and Vaccination

 

The best way to avoid diphtheria while travelling (especially to those countries where it is widespread) is to be fully vaccinated. If you were vaccinated against diphtheria more than 10 years ago, it may be necessary to receive a booster vaccination.

 

The vaccination consists of a single injection, which may cause mild discomfort. The vaccine is inactivated and therefore, cannot cause the diphtheria infection itself. The vaccination should be received two weeks prior to departure. However, if needed, it can be given up to a day before.

 

During your consultation with an Ahmeys travel health practitioner, you will undertake a travel risk assessment based on your itinerary and travel plans. Our expert practitioners are well placed to discuss and assess the risks versus the benefits of vaccination of those who are pregnant or who suffer from certain allergies. Our aim is for you to leave your consultation feeling confident and fully informed.

Faheem Ahmed

Have Questions?

Our clinicians would be more than happy to help.

Either give us a call on 01865 689 149 or book online.

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Book a Consultation

Providing NHS services

How to Find Us

Visit us at:
158 Oxford Road
Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2LA
Contact us at:
[email protected]
01865 689 149

Join over 1000's of patients who choose Ahmey's

Jackie Nakate
Jackie Nakate
2021-08-14
professional and lovely staff. The staff was super helpful and also called just to make sure I got my results without any mistakes.
Dimitris Kolokouris
Dimitris Kolokouris
2021-07-18
Went for a fit to fly PCR test. The staff were incredibly polite and helpful. They took special care to get my flight credentials correct and had my test result to me within less than a day. They guarantee to get your result the next day (even over weekends). Overall good service, I would recommend.
Margherita Davoli
Margherita Davoli
2021-06-22
I went today for a covid rapid- antigen test for travelling. Excellent service, they also gave me a pdf with the certificate for travelling, both paper and via email.
Elena Razzano
Elena Razzano
2021-05-27
I went to the clinic for a Covid Swab test: the nurse has been very professional and careful, the service has been perfect, fast and the certificate compliant for the fit to fly. I highly recommend this service and I will definitely use it again.
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
2021-05-25
Very good service, just did a PCR test for travelling. Helpful, on time and easy.
Susanne Mecklenburg
Susanne Mecklenburg
2021-05-24
Super service, competent, friendly, quick turn around of the results - really helpful. I can recommend it!
Michael Chipeta
Michael Chipeta
2021-02-04
Had Covid-19 fit to fly test. Results came promptly, in record time. Impressed with the service.
Shengpan Zhang
Shengpan Zhang
2021-01-24
Excellent service, very friendly and reliable
Kan Li
Kan Li
2021-01-19
Excellent people to work with! Great service, prompt communication, flexible schedule, and very reasonable price. 100/100 recommend for all kinds of fit-for-travel testing.