Diphtheria
What is it?
It’s an acute respiratory infection which normally breaks out 2 to 5 days after infection. It affects the tonsils, larynx, pharynx and occasionally skin. It has the potential to be fatal.
Risk area:
Worldwide, although the disease has virtually been eliminated from the UK. It is still present in Eastern Europe and Russia and former states of the Soviet Union.
Transmission:
By droplet infection e.g. coughing and sneezing and through skin to skin contact with articles soiled by infected persons. It can be passed on by a person who shows no sign of illness
Symptoms:
Moderately sore throat to life threatening diphtheria of the larynx or respiratory tracts.
Treatment:
Immediate administration of the Diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. It will also require medical supervision in hospital.
Vaccinations:
A vaccine is available for all travellers and is advised for visits to endemic areas when mixing with the local population. UK children should have received the normal British Childhood Immunisation Schedule within their first year.
If you are travelling to a country which may be affected by Diphtheria, please contact your GP for full vaccination details.
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Dr Travel Tips
- When camping, reduce the chance of insect bites by wearing light coloured clothing and avoiding perfumes.
- This is on 'oldy but a goody': always pack a spare pair of clothes in you hand luggage just in ‘case’ the airline loses your other baggage.
- Before you travel you should call your bank and let them know where you are travelling and the dates of your trip to avoid bank card issues.
- Some tips seem obvious but return the best value, this is one. Always retain a cheery disposition wherever you are travelling, you will receive far greater service – a smile is multilingual.
- To save space in your luggage and reduce the weight should you be charged extra, take samples of toiletries rather than packing your large ‘home size’ containers.
