4 Ways to Prevent Diphtheria

1. Let Your Doctor Inoculate

The best way to prevent diphtheria is to get immunized, starting in childhood. Most children receive the diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis vaccine. Adults who never have been inoculated for diphtheria should receive the diphtheria/tetanus vaccine. To stay protected against the disease, update your vaccine with a booster shot every 10 years. However, if you notice side effects after getting the vaccine, such as a fever or tenderness at the injection site, inform your doctor.

2. Take Antibiotics to Prevent Diphtheria

Even if you've received an inoculation, you should see a doctor if you've been exposed to someone carrying diphtheria. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to make sure you don't develop the disease. If you haven't had a recent diphtheria booster shot, you may need to get a new one to prevent infection.

3. Treat and Isolate

Don't expose yourself to diphtheria, even if you've been inoculated. If a family member or friend has shown signs of diphtheria, take him to a hospital immediately. If you try to care for him at home, he may not get better, and if your inoculation has been updated recently, he could infect you.

4. Wait It Out

If you've been infected by diphtheria, you can still infect others for up to 4 weeks. During this waiting period, you should avoid going out in public. According to the Mayo Clinic, diphtheria is lethal for 1 in 10 diphtheria sufferers. Don't add to that total.