Diphtheria Causes Sore Throat, Swollen Glands Symptoms, Vaccine Immunization

Diphtheria, often misspelled diptheria, is a very contagious and serious bacterial infection. It’s not a health concern for those keeping their diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) vaccine up to date. Meaning a DPT booster every 10 years to maintain your protection. (CDC immunization schedules)

Although diphtheria is not a high infectious disease concern for those living in the U.S., it poses a serious threat to your health if you are not fully immunized.  Especially if you travel to other countries or have contact with travelers coming into the US.

Diphtheria is caused by poison toxin releasing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheria bacteria.  It typically affects your throat and nose mucous membranes, causing symptoms of a punishing sore throat and swollen lymph glands.

Other symptoms that are experienced involve:

Onset of your symptoms is usually gradual.

Diphtheria is spread via droplets hurled into the air from a cough, sneeze or laugh by an infected individual. This infectious disease can also be spread by contact with contaminated discharges.

Diphtheria can infect your skin, causing painful, red and swollen skin lesions containing sticky gray patches.  This version is more common in tropical climates.  In rare instances, diphtheria can affect your eyes.

Diphtheria toxins may also cause some serious systemic issues, including myocarditis and neuropathy. In advanced stages, diphtheria has the potential to cause damage to your heart, brain, kidneys and nervous system.

If your diphtheria’s sore throat and swollen glands are left untreated, this might lead to:

Diphtheria poses a particular risk to those:

If your health care professional suspects your sore throat and swollen glands are caused by diphtheria, treatment begins immediately. Treatment is aggressive with antitoxin and antibiotic medications. And isolation is standard because diphtheria can spread easily to those not immunized.

Even with treatment, diphtheria can be deadly.  But most (9 out of 10) survive, likely with a slow recovery.

In the United States, fewer than five cases of diphtheria occur each year because of the extensive vaccine immunization program.

Keep diphtheria’s health degrading toxin at bay by keeping up with your vaccine immunization program. Plus, having a go around with diphtheria doesn’t guarantee a lifetime of immunity.

Bacterial Health Blurbs:

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