What Is Diphtheria? Symptoms, Risks & When You Might Need a Booster

Diphtheria may sound like a disease from the past—but it still poses a real risk today, especially when travelling to parts of the world where routine vaccinations aren’t widely available.

At Ready Health Clinic, we offer diphtheria boosters and travel health consultations to help protect you when abroad. Here's everything you need to know about this potentially serious illness, including symptoms, prevention, and when to consider a booster vaccine.

🧫 What Is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It mainly affects the nose, throat and airways, but can also affect the skin (cutaneous diphtheria). In severe cases, the bacteria produce a toxin that can damage the heart, nerves, or kidneys.

It’s transmitted from person to person through:

• Respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing)

• Close physical contact

• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects

🧠 Did you know? Around 50% of UK adults over 30 may no longer be fully protected against diphtheria, especially if they haven’t had a recent booster.

🤒 Diphtheria Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 5 days after exposure and can range from mild to life-threatening.

Respiratory Diphtheria:

• Sore throat and difficulty swallowing

• Mild fever

• Loss of appetite

• Hoarseness or voice changes (if the larynx is affected)

• Swollen neck (sometimes called a “bull neck”)

• Greyish-white membrane in the throat or nose

If untreated, diphtheria can lead to:

• Breathing difficulties

• Paralysis

• Irregular heartbeat or heart failure

• Coma or death

Cutaneous (Skin) Diphtheria:

• Painful skin ulcers, especially on legs or arms

• Covered with a grey membrane

⚠️ Diphtheria can be fatal, especially in those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised.

🌍 Where Is Diphtheria Still a Risk?

While diphtheria is rare in the UK thanks to the NHS childhood vaccination programme, it’s still found in parts of:

• Africa

• Asia (particularly India, Nepal, Indonesia)

• The Middle East

• Eastern Europe

• South America

Travellers heading to these regions—especially for extended stays, humanitarian work, or visiting family—may need a diphtheria booster.

💉 Diphtheria Vaccines in the UK

Routine UK Vaccination Schedule:

📌 If you're unsure of your vaccination history, a booster is usually safe and may be recommended before travel.

✈️ Diphtheria Vaccines for Travellers

If you're heading to a country where diphtheria is still circulating, the Revaxis® vaccine is often used as a booster. It offers protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio in a single injection.

💡 When is a booster needed?

• If your last dose was over 10 years ago

• If you’re travelling to diphtheria-endemic regions

• If you're unsure of your vaccination history

We offer travel vaccines, including Revaxis®, here at Ready Health Clinic in Standish.

🛡️ How Else Can You Protect Yourself?

• Maintain good personal hygiene, especially handwashing

• Avoid contact with people showing respiratory or skin symptoms in high-risk areas

• Make sure children are fully vaccinated

• Check your own vaccine status before travelling

📋 Summary Table

Book Your Diphtheria Booster at Ready Health Clinic

Not sure if you’re up to date with your vaccines? Planning a trip abroad? Our clinicians can advise you on diphtheria boosters and other travel vaccines to keep you safe and protected.

📞 Call us today or book online
📍 Based in Standish, we welcome patients from Wigan, Chorley, Bolton and Horwich