Is diphtheria the same as tetanus?

Is diphtheria the same as tetanus?

Diphtheria spreads from person to person. TETANUS (T) causes painful stiffening of the muscles. Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth, having trouble swallowing and breathing, or death. DIPHTHERIA (D) can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death.

Why is diphtheria with tetanus vaccine?

The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine protects against: Diphtheria: a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing problems. Tetanus (lockjaw): a nerve disease that can happen at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound.

Is tdap the same as tetanus?

The TDAP vaccine contains a full dose of tetanus, lower dose of diphtheria and whooping cough vaccine. Adults need to get a TD (tetanus and diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years to maintain immunity against tetanus. Common side effects of DTAP, TDAP and TD vaccines include: Redness or swelling at the shot site.

What is tetanus diphtheria?

Summary. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) are serious bacterial infections. Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to “locking” of the jaw. Diphtheria usually affects the nose and throat.

What causes diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin (poison). It is the toxin that can cause people to get very sick. Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing.

Is diphtheria the same as pertussis?

Diphtheria is a very contagious infection that makes it difficult to breathe. In severe cases, it can cause heart and nerve damage. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an extremely contagious respiratory infection that can lead to severe breathing problems, especially in infants.

Is Tdap vaccine safe?

DTaP and Tdap vaccine are safe and effective at preventing diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. The most common side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe allergic reactions following vaccination are rare, but can be life threatening.

How can you catch diphtheria?

Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers.

Can you survive diphtheria?

With treatment, most people with diphtheria survive these complications, but recovery is often slow. Diphtheria is fatal about 5% to 10% of the time. Rates of death are higher in children under age 5 or adults older than age 40.