Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract. It can produce a characteristic membrane in the throat that makes breathing and swallowing difficult, and for this reason it is considered a potentially serious infection.

Frequent symptoms: Sore throat, fever, general malaise, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and, in some cases, the formation of a grayish coating adhered over the tonsils or throat.

Prevention: It is a preventable disease through the vaccination included in childhood immunization schedules, so keeping vaccines up to date is very important to protect children and the community.

Who treats it? The pediatrician evaluates children with suspected infection and provides guidance on the corresponding vaccination schedule. In the presence of a severe sore throat accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, seeking medical care promptly is the most advisable course.