Diphtheria used to be very common in so many countries back in the days, but as a result of improvement in living standard as well as vaccination that is now available, it is now better.
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However, there are countries that are not vaccinated against diphtheria up till date, for such countries, infection will happen and this also means there is a change of getting back into the United State through immigration.
Diphtheria are of two types, classical respiratory and cutaneous diphtheria.
Classical respiratory diphtheria is the most common type that exists, it can affect the nose, throat, tonsils, or larynx. The symptoms experienced will be dependent on where the affected membrane is located in the body.
Cutaneous diphtheria is the rare type, it is shown through skin rash, blisters, or sores which can be seen anywhere around the body.
Some infected person's are carriers of the sickness, showing no sign or symptoms at all but can easily spread the infection.
Those who have displayed signs and symptoms begins to show within 2-5 days after infection.
Rapid/difficult breathing.
Tiredness.
Nasal discharge.
Swollen glands.
Sore throat.
A thick grey membrane that covers the tonsils/throat.
Now, that we have said a lot about diphtheria, let's look at what causes this disturbing infection. It is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria. This bacteria easily and usually multiplies on or close to the surface of the throat or skin. It can spread from one person to another through one of these means.
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Diphtheria can be contacted when the item of an infected person has been touched. Items like tissue paper and hand towel are easy transmitters of the infection.
A mist of contaminated droplet is released when an infected person sneezes or coughs, causing anyone nearby to inhale * C.diphtheria* and this spread is very active especially in a crowded place.
Children and adults whose vaccination are not up to date, people who live in untidy and crowded places, and those who travel to areas where diphtheria is very common stand a high chance of being infected.
Once symptoms are noticed, a visit to the hospital should be the next line of action, but if not treated on time, it could result in complications. Possible complications are;
Heart damage, where the toxin spreads through the bloodstream and damages other tissues in the body.
The toxin spreads can also cause damage to the nerve. Nerve to the throat, to the arm and leg causing difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness respectfully.
- The toxin also damages the tissues present at the immediate sight of infection, most often the throat and the nose.
With treatment, the chances of getting rid of a complicated condition is possible, but recovery is usually quiet slow. Death rate is more common amongst children under the age of five, and adults that are above 40.
Vaccination has made things better, children vaccinated at the right time will not have to struggle with the negative consequences of diphtheria.
The vaccine is a three in one vaccine, known as diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine administered to children at, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years respectfully. Even after a child has gotten these complete dose of vaccination, booster shots are advised as the child continues to grow.
Conclusion.
This is another article you will be reading today that reminds you of the need for vaccination, the reason why some women hold back from it is something that shocks me a lot. Getting children vaccinated at the right time for the right things will prevent a lot of sicknesses and infection.
For Further Studies.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diphtheria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351897
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17870-diphtheria
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diphtheria
https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/info/D
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diphtheria/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351903
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159534#what-is-diphtheria
Hi, I am Tobi, a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people.
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