Editing Corynebacterium diphtheriae (section)

== Treatment and prevention ==
{{Main|Diphtheria}}
When a toxigenic strain of ''Corynebacterium diphtheriae'' infects the human body, it releases harmful toxins, especially to the throat. [[Antitoxin]]s are used to prevent further harm. Antibiotics are also used to fight the infection. Typical antibiotics that are used against diphtheria involve penicillin or erythromycin. People infected with diphtheria must quarantine for at least 48 hours after being prescribed antibiotics. To confirm that the person is no longer contagious, tests are performed ensure that the bacteria have been cleared. People are then vaccinated to prevent further transmission of the disease.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diphtheria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention |url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17870-diphtheria |access-date=2022-10-26 |website=Cleveland Clinic}}</ref>

The wide use of the diphtheria vaccine dramatically decreased the rate of infection and allows for primary prevention of the disease. Most people receive a 3-in-1 vaccine that consists of protection against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, which is commonly known as the DTaP or Tdap vaccine. DTaP vaccine is for children while the Tdap vaccine is known for adolescents and adults.<ref name = Mayo>{{Cite web |title=Diphtheria – Symptoms and causes |url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diphtheria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351897 |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Mayo Clinic |language=en}}</ref>

In the United States, the DTaP vaccine to parents of infants which typically involves a series of five shots is recommended.  These vaccines are injected through the arm or thigh and are administered when the infant is 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15–18 months and then 4–6 years old.<ref name = Mayo/>

Possible side events that are associated with the diphtheria vaccine include "mild fever, fussiness, drowsiness or tenderness at the injection site". Although it is rare, the DTaP vaccine may cause an allergic reaction that causes hives or a rash to breakout within minutes of administering the vaccine.<ref name = Mayo/>