<p>Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection. You can catch it from a person who has the infection and coughs or sneezes. You can also get infected by coming in contact with an object, such as a toy, that has bacteria on it.</p> <p>Diphtheria usually affects the nose and throat. Symptoms include:</p><ul> <li>Sore throat</li> <li>Swollen glands in the neck</li> <li>Fever</li> <li>Weakness</li> </ul> <p>Your doctor will diagnose it based on your signs and symptoms and a lab test. Getting treatment for diphtheria quickly is important. If your doctor suspects that you have it, you'll start treatment before the lab tests come back. Treatment is with antibiotics.</p> <p>The <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/tetanusdiphtheriaandpertussisvaccines.html">diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccine</a> can prevent diphtheria, but its protection does not last forever. Children need another dose, or booster, at about age 12. Then, as adults, they should get a booster every 10 years. Diphtheria is very rare in the United States because of the vaccine.</p> <p class="">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</p>