Diphtheria is a disease that is now rarely seen except in more developing countries such as in Africa and South Asia where fewer people are vaccinated against Diphtheria. It is very important to have good hand hygiene in places with higher risks of Diphtheria by washing your hands often with soap or hand sanitizer.

Diphtheria affects the respiratory system and the throat and therefore a large majority of the symptoms occur in this area of the body. Symptoms include a sore throat, breathing difficulties and a grey-white membrane developing in the throat. Other symptoms such as a heavy cough, bluish skin colorisation and rapid/shallow breathing may also be noticed.

The childhood vaccination programmes includes a vaccine against Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio. Once the childhood course is completed travellers need a booster every 10 years when planning on travel to higher risk areas.