What should you know about diphtheria transmission?

The bacteria may pass when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, and through close contact with saliva or discharge from the nose or throat. Contact with contaminated items can also matter. A person may carry and spread the bacteria without having severe symptoms.

The illness can form a thick coating in the throat and cause a sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, or difficulty swallowing. A sore throat alone has many possible causes; it does not show that someone has diphtheria.

Call a healthcare service promptly and explain when the contact occurred, how close it was, whether the person had suspected or confirmed diphtheria, and your vaccination history. Follow instructions about testing, preventive antibiotics, vaccination, and limiting close contact until a clinician advises otherwise.

Do not share cups, utensils, towels, or toothbrushes while infection is being assessed. Wash hands, cover coughs, and clean frequently touched surfaces. Details about [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) and [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) can support your discussion.

Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, inability to swallow, drooling, severe neck swelling, confusion, or collapse. Arrange urgent assessment for a sore throat with fever after a relevant exposure, particularly if a grey throat coating or unusual weakness develops.

Ask whether the contact counts as close exposure, whether household members need assessment, which precautions to use, and whether preventive antibiotics or a vaccine dose are advised. Confirm when normal activities can resume.