How To Protect Your Child From Diphtheria Infection?

Even though it is very rare, diphtheria infection spreads easily and takes place very quickly in children and also in adults, who are exposed to infectious bacteria.

If you have children below 5 years of age, then you have to be very careful.

It mainly affects kids below 5 years of age and adults above 60 years of age.

Years ago, diphtheria was the leading cause of death among children.

But now, with the advancement in medical sciences, it has become very rare bacterial infection.

Various medications and vaccinations are available to prevent the outbreak of this dangerous infection.

So, it would be much better if you give proper vaccinations to your child. Even after giving vaccination, if your child gets it, identify the symptoms at early stages to get right treatment at right time.

Recognize early symptoms to avoid serious problems!

The most common sign of diphtheria infection is a thick grey covering in the back of the throat that potentially makes breathing difficult for your kid.

When your child is exposed to infectious bacteria that leads to diphtheria, the nose and throat gets the inflammation. It typically causes very bad sore throat, fever, weakness and also swollen glands.

In early stages, you can consider the symptoms of diphtheria as normal sore throat or low grade fever. As the infection progresses, the affected person can feel difficulty in breathing or swallowing. Even, they can complain with double vision and can have slurred speech.

Whenever your child shows these particular symptoms, immediately consult your personal physician and get necessary medical assistance.

Even, if your child has recovered, he\she should receive a full course of treatment and also vaccinations to prevent its re-occurrence.

Be aware with diphtheria, it is highly contagious!

Diphtheria bacterium is highly contagious and easily spreads from infected persons. A person infected with dangerous bacterium can possibly spread the infection to others within 4 weeks.

It easily spreads from drinking glasses, tissues, clothes and other things used by the infected persons. Approximately the incubation period of the infectious bacteria is 2 to 4 days and also it can range from 1 to 6 weeks.

So, you have to be very careful, if your child gets diphtheria. Even, if they don’t have any symptoms of the disease, stay away from their things. Don’t expose yourself to sneezes, cough and even from laugh of the infected person.

If this dangerous bacterial infection is left untreated, the harmful toxins of bacterium spread into the blood stream and causes potentially life-threatening diseases such as heart and kidney problems. It can also cause nerve damage and eventually leads to paralysis.

To avoid all these undesirable conditions, get regular diphtheria vaccinations for your children.

Consult your doctor and ask whether it is recommended for you to take diphtheria vaccinations and get it regularly done to avoid further health complications.