It is a good idea to have the DTP vaccination if you are planning to travel widely, or to areas where any of these diseases is common, as they affect locations across several continents. You may have had this vaccination as a child, but it is important to ensure that you are up to date with your boosters, as the shots lose their effects after ten years. Always keep up-to-date with disease information when you are traveling, as areas of high risk can change over time.
Commonly affected locations
Sub-Saharan Africa (Diphtheria & Tetanus), Pakistan, Afghanistan & Nigeria (Polio)
Symptoms*
The main symptoms of Diphtheria are:
a thick, grey or white coating on the tonsils & back of the throat
fever (body temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
sore throat
headache
swollen glands (small lumps in the neck)
difficulty breathing & swallowing
The main symptoms of Tetanus include:
lockjaw, where the jaw muscles stiffen, making it difficult to open the mouth
muscle spasms, which can affect breathing & swallowing & be painful
fever (body temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
sweating
increased heartbeat
The early signs of Polio include:
fever (body temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
headache
sore throat.
stomach or abdominal pain
nausea & vomiting
aches & pains
