Diphtheria facts for patients

Diphtheria commonly involves the nose or throat and may cause sore throat, fever, tiredness, swollen neck glands and a thick grey or white membrane. The membrane can obstruct breathing and may bleed if disturbed. The bacteria can spread through respiratory droplets or contact with infected secretions. The illness is not identified by one symptom alone, because many common infections also cause throat pain or fever. Toxin-related problems can affect the heart, nerves and kidneys, so suspected cases need professional assessment rather than home diagnosis.

If diphtheria is possible, call a healthcare service before attending in person and describe symptoms, exposure and vaccination history. Avoid close contact and sharing personal items while waiting for instructions. Clinicians may arrange testing and prescribe antibiotics; read [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/). Vaccination is the main preventive measure and may need checking after travel, missed doses or an exposure. See [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) for routine vaccine information.

Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, drooling, inability to swallow fluids, severe neck swelling, fainting, chest discomfort, blue lips or sudden weakness. Prompt medical advice is appropriate for a sore throat with a membrane or after close contact with a suspected case, even if fever is modest. Early evaluation allows infection-control and treatment decisions to begin sooner.

Ask whether testing is needed, whether contacts need assessment, how long to avoid close contact, and whether your vaccine record shows current protection. Ask which changes in breathing, swallowing or strength should trigger emergency care. For a broader explanation of throat pain, see [Sore Throat](/symptoms/sore-throat/).