Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that primarily impacts the nose and throat, and occasionally the skin. Although it is uncommon in the UK, there is a slight chance of contracting it when travelling to certain regions of the world. If left untreated, diphtheria can become a severe illness and can be life-threatening, particularly for children. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent this disease. Its rarity in the UK is largely due to the routine vaccination of infants and children since the 1940s. To minimise the risk of diphtheria while travelling, it is important to ensure that you are fully vaccinated.