What should you know about nasal diphtheria?

The infection may cause nasal discharge, blockage, soreness or bleeding, sometimes with a grey or white coating inside the nose. A person may also have fever, weakness, swollen neck glands or a Sore Throat. The coating should not be scraped away because this can cause bleeding. Symptoms can overlap with other infections, so examination and laboratory testing are needed rather than self-diagnosis.

Contact a clinician promptly and mention any recent travel, close contact with an affected person and vaccination history. Avoid close contact and sharing cups, towels or utensils until public-health or clinical advice is given. Confirmed or strongly suspected infection is treated with prescribed antitoxin and Antibiotic Treatment; take medicines exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course. Close contacts may need testing, preventive medicine and vaccination review.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, rapidly worsening neck swelling, faintness, severe weakness or a bluish colour around the lips. Diphtheria toxins can affect the airway, heart and nerves, so deterioration should not wait for a routine appointment. Keep the person away from vulnerable contacts while arranging care.

Do my nasal findings need a swab or other test? Should household contacts be assessed? Do I need a booster or catch-up dose through Childhood Immunisation services?