Diphtheria: Who is Most at Risk? Symptoms, Prevention & More

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can affect people of all ages. It is most common in children and adolescents, but it can also occur in adults. The bacteria that cause diphtheria, *Corynebacterium diphtheriae*, can spread through close contact with an infected person or through contact with contaminated objects.

People who are most at risk for diphtheria include:

- Unvaccinated people

- People who have weakened immune systems

- People who live in crowded conditions

- People who travel to areas where diphtheria is common

Diphtheria can be prevented by getting vaccinated against the disease. The diphtheria vaccine is available in combination with other vaccines, such as the tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines.