DIPHTHERIA – IMMUNISATION
Whooping cough is much less dangerous in the older child and so immunisation with a high risk of reaction is not warranted.
Diphtheria is due to a bacterium, not a virus, and has a short incubation period of about three days.
The disease may be mild and produce little more than a mild sore throat and a “cold” type illness, but it may cause a severe infection with a high temperature, muscle weakness, aches and pains, confusion and delirium.
The affected larynx or voice box may swell and lead to obstruction of breathing. It may be necessary to make an opening in the windpipe or trachea (a tracheotomy) to enable the child to breath.
The heart may be affected by toxins or poisons produced by the germ and lead to heart failure and death. Sometimes the nervous system is affected and this can lead to paralysis of muscles.
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