Diphtheria can be a serious illness and sometimes fatal, especially in children, if it's not treated quickly. Vaccination can prevent it.
Get vaccinated against diphtheria
Diphtheria is rare in the UK because babies and children have been routinely vaccinated against it since the 1940s.
When childhood diphtheria vaccinations are given
The vaccines are given at:
- 8, 12 and 16 weeks – 6-in-1 vaccine (3 separate doses)
- 3 years 4 months – 4-in-1 pre-school booster
- 14 years – 3-in-1 teenage booster
Travel vaccination for diphtheria
The best way to avoid diphtheria while travelling is to be fully vaccinated against it.
If you're travelling to a part of the world where there may be a risk of diphtheria, you may need a booster vaccination if you were last vaccinated against it more than 10 years ago.
Some parts of the world where there may be a risk include:
- Africa
- South America
- India
- south east Asia
- eastern Europe
You may be able to get a combined vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and polio free on the NHS. Ask at a GP surgery.
Places that have higher cases of diphtheria often change over time. For up-to-date information about the area you're visiting, check the TravelHealthPro country guides.
How diphtheria is spread
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection. It's spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone who is infected.
You can also get it by sharing items such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding with an infected person.
Symptoms of diphtheria
Symptoms of diphtheria include:
- a thick grey-white coating that may cover the back of your throat, nose and tongue
- a high temperature (fever)
- sore throat
- swollen glands in your neck
- difficulty breathing and swallowing
In places with poor hygiene, infection of the skin (cutaneous diphtheria) is more common.
If it's cutaneous diphtheria, it can cause:
- pus-filled blisters on your legs, feet and hands
- large ulcers surrounded by red, sore-looking skin
Symptoms of diphtheria usually start 2 to 5 days after becoming infected.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have travelled to a country where diphtheria is found and have diphtheria symptoms
- you have been in close contact with someone who has diphtheria
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Diptheria can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.
Get medical help as soon as possible if you have diphtheria symptoms while you're travelling. Do not wait until you get back to the UK.
Treatments for diphtheria
The main treatments for diphtheria are:
- antibiotics to kill the diphtheria bacteria
- medicines that stop the effects of the harmful substances (toxins) produced by the bacteria
- thoroughly cleaning any infected wounds if you have diphtheria affecting your skin
Treatment usually lasts 2 weeks. Any skin ulcers usually heal within 2 to 3 months but may leave a scar.
People who have been in close contact with someone who has diphtheria will also need to take antibiotics and may be given the diphtheria vaccine. A contact tracing team will get in touch with anyone who needs to be treated.
Page last reviewed: 24 July 2025
Next review due: 24 July 2028