Diphtheria spreads quickly. Diphtheria is an acute bacterial (Corynebacterium diphtheriae). Disease, which usually affects the tonsils, throat, nose or skin. It is extremely rare in the United States. Diphtheria is caused by an aerobic, nonencapsulated, nonmotile, Gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. T can also cause nerve damage, which leads to paralysis. Up to 40% to 50% of those who 't get treated may die. Years ago, diphtheria was one of the leading causes of death among children. Today, diphtheria is very rare in the United States and other developed countries thanks to widespread vaccination against the disease. In its early stages, diphtheria can be mistaken for a bad sore throat. A bit of fever and swollen glands in the neck are the other early symptoms.

Symptoms usually appear two to four days after infection, with a range of one to 10 days. Diphtheria can also cause paralysis in the eye, neck, throat or respiratory muscles. Risk factors include overcrowded environments, poor hygiene and lack of vaccination. The disease can be manageable. Some antibiotics, such as penicillin and erythromycin, can be prescribed for the treatment of diphtheria. A diphtheria antitoxin is also used for treatment. Helping Antibiotics kill bacteria in the body, clearing up infections. Antibiotics reduce to a few days the period during which a person with diphtheria is contagious. Anti-diphtheria toxin is given as a shot into a muscle through one or IV (intravenous). Routine vaccinations of children and adults boosters prevent disease.

Prevention of diphtheria based almost entirely on the vaccination of children with diphtheria / tetanus / pertussis (DTP or DTaP) vaccine and non-vaccinated adults with diphtheria / tetanus (DT). This vaccine should be given at two, four, six and 15-18 months of age, and between four and six years. A combination of tetanus toxoid vaccine and diphtheria (Td) should be given every 10 years to maintain immunity. Adults should receive another dose, or booster every 10 years. A booster shot for diphtheria vaccine is administered in combination with a booster shot of tetanus. The tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine is administered by injection, usually in the arm or thigh. Anyone older than 7 years who had never been immunized against diphtheria receive three doses of Td vaccine.

Home Remeides Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Golden Seal is a herb used in treatment of diphtheria.

2. Black walnut is also useful in treatment of diphtheria.

3. Table Salt - Plain table salt may be good remedy for toothache, sore throat and diphtheria.

4. Vinegar or blue vitriol may also be served to defeat the ravages of rashes, poison oak, etc.

5. Given a medicine (diphtheria antitoxin) to fight the diphtheria poison.

6. DPT (Diphtheria- Tetanus - Pertussis ) vaccine is very essential for diphtheria