Alberta Health Services
Health Information
You can ask for an interpreter if you don’t speak or read English well or use sign language. They can help you:
For interpreter services, call Health Link at 811 and press 1. Tell them the language you need.
Diphtheria is a nose and throat infection caused by bacteria. It can cause trouble breathing or swallowing, heart failure, and paralysis (not being able to move all or part of your body).
Antibiotics (medicines that fight bacteria) can be used to treat diphtheria infections. Even with treatment, up to 1 out of 10 people who get diphtheria will die.
The highest number of deaths happen in very young children who are not immunized and older adults who are not immunized.
People who travel to countries where there is a risk of diphtheria and have not had all their diphtheria vaccines are at the highest risk.
Diphtheria is particularly serious for unimmunized babies and children. Before vaccines, diphtheria was one of the most common causes of death in Canadian children under the age of 5.
Diphtheria is spread by coughing, sneezing, or having close contact with someone who has diphtheria.
Symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after contact with the bacteria. Most people will have a sore throat, fever and chills, and swelling of the throat that can cause trouble swallowing. Symptoms also include not feeling hungry and feeling generally unwell. A thick grey membrane will also develop at the back of the nose, mouth, or throat.
These symptoms can get worse and lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart problems, coma, and even death.
Diphtheria can be prevented by getting a vaccine. Common vaccines that protect against diphtheria are:
The type of diphtheria vaccine you get depends on your age and if you need protection from other diseases.
The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria. Td vaccine is no longer available in Alberta. It used to be given to adults who needed this protection because they didn't have their childhood immunizations or because they needed an extra (booster) dose. The Tdap vaccine is now given for this.
Antitoxins are passive immunization agents. This means they’re used to treat some infections, but they don’t give long-term protection like vaccines. You may get diphtheria antitoxin if your doctor decides you need treatment for diphtheria.
For long-term protection, you need a vaccine.
Learn more about diphtheria antitoxin.
