How is diphtheria spread?

The Diphtheria is a bacterial disease, caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It produces pain and inflammation in the larynx, pharynx and nose, also breathing difficulties. If not controlled in time, it could lead to heart and brain damage .

When the person is infected by the bacillus, the first parts of the body affected will be those related to the respiratory system (nose and throat), a gray and hard crust forms around the airways that makes breathing difficult. If not controlled in time, the bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream that can spread to other parts of the body , usually the brain and heart, and can cause serious problems.

The main symptoms appear a week after contracting the virus, although there are cases in which there are no noticeable symptoms.

-High fever and chills.

-Headache.

-Excess saliva.

-Sore throat, especially when swallowing.

-Breathing difficulties.

-In hot or tropical areas the appearance of ulcers on the skin is common.

– Nasal discharge with blood.

-The skin may acquire a bluish tone.

HOW IS DIPHTHERIA SPREAD?

Diphtheria is spread by the droplets that we secrete when sneezing or coughing from one person to another. A person with diphtheria is contagious for up to two weeks after contracting the disease, although it can also be spread by healthy carriers. Those most likely to suffer them are those under 5 years of age and those over 60 because their immune systems are weaker.

Since the appearance of vaccines, diphtheria in Spain has been eradicated since 1987, however, in 2015 a new case was announced in Girona where a child from Olot contracted the disease. Apparently the little boy had not been vaccinated at the wish of his parents and had to be admitted to the ICU of the Vall d’Hebrón hospital in Barcelona. The medication to treat him had to come from Russia but there was a happy ending. Although the child was in contact with other children, none of them suffered from the disease because they had all received the vaccine.

PREVENTION OF CONTAGION IN DIPHTHERIA

1) Vaccination

The best way to prevent the disease is through the vaccine . This vaccine is combined with the tetanus and pertussis vaccines, commonly called the three-in-one vaccine. It is one of the vaccines that doctors HIGHLY recommend in childhood and consist of 5 sessions of injections in the arm or leg at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, between 12-18 months and the last session between 4 and 6 years.

If you want to make sure that there is no contagion throughout your child’s life, it is best to vaccinate him. The first days after the vaccine the child may have some side effects such as fever, drowsiness and be a little more irritable than normal, however, we should not worry because it will pass in one or two days, it is worth it. In some cases the child may suffer a small rash in the area where it was punctured and in other, more rare cases, they may have nausea, vomiting or seizures, however all these symptoms are treatable and do not carry risk. However, there are children for whom vaccination is not recommended, are those who have a progressive brain disorder, the doctor will let you know if that is your case. For all others it is recommended to follow the vaccination schedule.

Once the children have been vaccinated in these 5 sessions, they will later need booster vaccines to enhance the immune effect . At age 12, the first is put on, the following at 10-year intervals (at 22, at 32, etc). Very few adults do it and they are not infected but it is always recommended to renew them, especially if you plan to travel to tropical countries or places where this disease is common. Also in cases where a close person has been living there because even if they are not contagious they can be a carrier of the bacteria and infect us. Lastly, pregnant women should wear it regardless of whether they have received it before.Also, people who have not received it as children, for example those over 75 years of age, are a risk group because there are many who were not vaccinated as children and have not been vaccinated as adults.

2) Follow proper hygiene habits

If the person has contracted diphtheria, he should be extremely careful with the rest because it is a very contagious disease and if the other is not vaccinated, he can easily contract it. For this, it is important to cover your nose with a disposable tissue when you sneeze and wash your hands well with soap frequently, although it is better to avoid contact with older people or young children.(both are the two most vulnerable groups) at least during the first two weeks, which is when the infection is most likely. People who have been in contact with someone who does have the disease should undergo a bacterial culture and can take antibiotics as a prevention even if the presence of the bacteria in their body has not yet been confirmed.

3) Follow a good diet

Although the main cause of infection is infection by the bacteria, the truth is that having a poor diet is a risk factor. If our immune system is weakened we will be more vulnerable to infections . Follow a balanced diet, without neglecting any food group. And above all it includes vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins. Some foods that you should include in your daily routine due to their great immune power are:

– Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli or spinach.

– Garlic. It prevents against viruses by preventing them from entering and if they succeed in being in our body for less time.

– Foods rich in group B vitamins. Lack of vitamin B6 that is generally found in foods such as oats, wheat and other cereals such as rice. Within the group of meats, fish, liver and eggs also present them.

– Citrus fruits for their contribution in vitamin C.