4. Immunizations
People who do not keep their immunizations up to date are at a higher risk of becoming infected with the bacteria that cause diphtheria. In locations where the diphtheria vaccination is considered standard, the disease is really only a threat to inadequately and unvaccinated individuals in the area. Throughout the United States and Western Europe, children have been vaccinated against this disease for many years.
For this reason, there are rarely any cases of it in these countries. However, diphtheria is still very common in developing countries where the rates of immunizations remain low. The best way to protect yourself from becoming infected with this disease is to make sure that you receive the proper vaccination.
If you are unsure of whether or not you and your children have been vaccinated for diphtheria it is important to ask your doctor to find out. Proper immunization is extremely important when it comes to eradicating this disease and preventing it from spreading.