Does diphtheria cause sore throat?

Diphtheria can infect the nose or throat and cause throat pain, fever, swollen neck glands, and increasing difficulty swallowing. A thick grey or white coating may develop over the throat or tonsils. The infection can spread through respiratory droplets or close contact, so possible exposure matters when a clinician assesses symptoms.

Most sore throats are not diphtheria. Symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause, and trying to remove a throat coating can cause bleeding. A clinician may arrange testing and start treatment based on the examination and risk of exposure. Avoid close contact and sharing cups or utensils until you receive medical advice if diphtheria is suspected.

Contact a medical service promptly for a sore throat with a throat coating, neck swelling, fever, or known contact with diphtheria. Tell the service before arriving so staff can reduce exposure to others. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe, and check whether close contacts need assessment or preventive treatment.

Get emergency help for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing neck swelling, bluish lips, severe weakness, or confusion. These signs can indicate an airway or systemic emergency. Keep the person sitting upright while help is arranged and follow the emergency service's instructions.

Ask whether testing is needed, how to protect household members, whether vaccination is up to date, and which treatment or isolation instructions apply.