Diphtheria secondary prevention

There are no established guidelines for the secondary prevention of diphtheria. However, early diagnosis, prompt and adequate treatment, good nursing care, and adequate airway management may help reduce progression of the disease and prevent complications in affected individuals.^[1]

There are no established guidelines for the secondary prevention of diphtheria. However, early diagnosis and prompt and adequate treatment can prevent the patient’s health from deteriorating. Important aspects of care include:^[1]

• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with the appropriate antibiotic therapy and diphtheria antitoxin
• Good nursing care, include:
  • Monitor serial electrocardiograms
  • Measurement of cardiac enzymes
  • Monitoring of neurologic status
• Adequate airway management is important to reduce the risk of airway obstruction
• Respiratory droplet isolation (respiratory tract disease) or contact precautions (cutaneous disease)

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