Vaccination will save from diphtheria, all regions of Ukraine have enough quality vaccines - Ministry of Health
Kyiv • UNN
The Ministry of Health reminds of the importance of diphtheria vaccination. All regions of Ukraine have a sufficient number of high-quality vaccines that can be obtained free of charge by contacting a family doctor, pediatrician or general practitioner.
If you do not protect yourself from diphtheria, it can lead to a number of complications, including respiratory and heart problems, etc. However, according to statistics, in 2023 and 6 months of 2024, one case of this disease was recorded in Ukraine.
The Center for Public Health of Ukraine - the Ministry of Health reminds of the importance of vaccination, reports UNN.
Details
The best way to protect yourself from diphtheria is to get vaccinated.
You can get vaccinated free of charge.
To get vaccinated against diphtheria, you just need to visit your family doctor, pediatrician, or general practitioner.
All regions of Ukraine have enough quality diphtheria vaccines for all
But if you ignore the possibility of vaccination, you should know that almost 20% of unvaccinated patients die, even despite timely treatment.
According to the Center for Public Health of Ukraine, mortality from diphtheria is higher among children under 5 and adults over 40.
For reference
Diphtheria is a dangerous infectious disease that mainly affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and skin, and in case of complications, the heart, nervous system, and kidneys.
The causative agent of diphtheria (the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae) is transmitted by coughing, sneezing, kissing, contact with surfaces contaminated with the pathogen, household items (dishes, toys, etc.), as well as contaminated food and water.
You can get infected both from a person with diphtheria and from a person who is a carrier of the infection without clinical signs of the disease.
The following symptoms may appear 2-5 days after diphtheria infection:
- Gray or white film on the tonsils and throat (fibrinous films);
- Sore throat and hoarseness of voice;
- Ringing "barking" cough;
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck;
- Neck swelling;
- Shortness of breath;
- Nasal discharge;
- Fever and chills;
- Weakness and fatigue.
Treatment All patients with diphtheria are subject to mandatory emergency hospitalization - even with a mild case. Treatment includes anti-diphtheria serum, which inhibits diphtheria toxin in the blood, and antibacterial therapy.
The Ministry of Health noted that vaccinated people can also get sick.
But they tolerate the disease much easier
