Symptoms of diphtheria in humans

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the nose and throat. A sore throat may occur with fever, weakness, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and swollen glands in the neck. A thick grey or white coating can form in the throat or nose and may make breathing difficult.

The coating can bleed if disturbed, so do not try to scrape it away. Diphtheria can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Someone with a suspicious illness should avoid close contact and obtain medical advice urgently rather than waiting for symptoms to settle.

Contact urgent medical services before arriving so they can advise on infection precautions. Keep the person away from others, avoid sharing cups or utensils and do not manipulate any throat coating. Clinicians may arrange testing, isolation, antibiotic treatment and assessment of close contacts.

Tell the clinician about vaccination history, recent travel, close contacts and when symptoms began. Vaccination, including routine Childhood Immunisation, helps protect against diphtheria but does not replace assessment of a possible infection.

Seek emergency care for noisy or difficult breathing, blue or grey lips, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing neck swelling, collapse, severe weakness or confusion. Do not wait for the throat coating to appear if breathing or swallowing is worsening.

Ask whether isolation is needed, which tests will be arranged, when Antibiotic Treatment should start, whether close contacts need preventive care and whether vaccination records require updating.