Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by corynebacterium (diphtheria bacillus). This bacterium is capable of producing a powerful and extremely dangerous toxin for human health and life.
Diphtheria is transmitted by airborne droplets, i.e. through coughing and sneezing. It is also possible to become infected through objects used by a sick person: toys, bedding, dishes (the so-called contact route of transmission). The insidiousness of diphtheria also lies in the fact that it can be transmitted not only from a sick person, but also from a carrier of the pathogen . In the latter case, the carrier has no symptoms, but it is possible to become infected.
How long after infection will the first symptoms appear?
The incubation period is from 1 to 10 days, most often from 2 to 5 days.
Diphtheria is insidious in that its onset can be very similar to a common respiratory infection ("cold"), so adults may not attach much importance to the first manifestations of the disease .
The most common symptoms are:
A specific symptom is the appearance of gray films. The toxin secreted by the bacterium destroys healthy tissues. Within a few days, the dead tissue forms a thick gray coating, most often in the throat. But films can also cover other parts of the body: nose, eye, vagina and skin. Areas invisible to the eye can also be lined: trachea, heart (which leads to such a complication of the disease as diphtheria myocarditis)
Diphtheria can be fatal. Even with treatment, about 1 in 10 diphtheria patients die . Without treatment, the chances are usually 50/50.
The only method of prevention is vaccination.
And not only children need to be vaccinated, but also adults! Vaccination of children and adults against diphtheria and tetanus is included in the National calendar of preventive vaccinations and is provided by the state free of charge for the patient.
A complex vaccine is used to prevent diphtheria. That is, it will protect not only from diphtheria, but also from whooping cough and tetanus, or diphtheria and tetanus.