Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib for short, is an infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae. The most common type of invasive Hib disease is meningitis, an infection of the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain. It usually affects young children under the age of five.
There are six different types of this bacteria (a, b, c, d, e, and f). While all types of the bacteria may cause infection, H. influenzae type b can cause severe disease in children.
Hib disease occurs mostly in infants who are not fully immunized and is most common among those between six—18 months of age. While Hib is not common among adults or children older than five years, people with certain long-term health conditions or weak immune systems are at higher risk for Hib disease.
Transmission
Hib bacteria are spread from person to person. Some people carry Hib bacteria in their nose and do not become infected. They can, however, pass the bacteria to others who may become sick.
People can also become sick if they are exposed to the mucus or saliva (spit) from an infected person who is not getting treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Hib depend on what part of the body is affected by the bacteria. Most often, Hib bacteria will cause meningitis. Symptoms of meningitis include:
- Fever
- Decreased mental status
- Stiff neck
Other forms of Hib infection include pneumonia, epiglottitis (an infection and swelling of the throat that can block the airway), and bone or joint infection.
Testing
If a health care provider suspects Hib, samples of the patient’s blood or spinal fluid will be examined.
Treatment
Your health care provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat Hib.
It is very important to finish your antibiotics even if you begin to feel better, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider. People with Hib are no longer able to spread it to others after taking antibiotics for 24-48 hours.
Prevention
- Children can immunized with the Hib vaccine, a series of four shots and is given at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw away used tissues immediately
- Wash hands frequently