Diphtheria during an epidemic

Diphtheria can pass through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected secretions. Crowded homes, schools or care settings can make exposure easier, particularly when people are unvaccinated or their protection is incomplete. Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, tiredness, swollen neck glands and a throat membrane. An epidemic means there are more linked cases than expected in a community or setting; it does not mean every sore throat is diphtheria. Public health teams may identify contacts, advise testing and recommend temporary precautions.

Follow local public-health instructions, check vaccination records, and contact a healthcare service quickly after close exposure or new throat symptoms. Avoid sharing utensils, drinks, towels or toothbrushes. Cover coughs, wash hands carefully and stay away from school, work or gatherings until a clinician or public-health team advises that it is safe. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infected people or contacts; see [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/). Routine [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) is a key prevention measure.

Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, rapidly worsening neck swelling, fainting or blue lips. Contact a clinician promptly for a persistent sore throat with marked fatigue, fever, swollen glands or a coating in the throat, especially after exposure. Do not wait for an outbreak notice to become severe before asking for advice.

Ask whether you or household members count as close contacts, whether preventive medicine or testing is advised, and when normal activities can resume. Ask which vaccine doses are due and how symptoms should be monitored. More information about throat discomfort is available under [Sore Throat](/symptoms/sore-throat/).