Haemophilus Infections

Summary

Haemophilus is the name of a group of bacteria. There are several types of Haemophilus. They can cause different types of illnesses involving breathing, bones and joints, and the nervous system.

One common type, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), causes serious disease. It usually strikes children under 5 years old. Your child can get Hib disease by being around other children or adults who may have the bacteria and not know it. The germs spread from person to person. If the germs stay in the child’s nose and throat, the child probably will not get sick. But sometimes the germs spread into the lungs or the bloodstream, and then Hib can cause serious problems such as meningitis and pneumonia.

Treatment is with antibiotics. There is a vaccine to prevent Hib disease. All children younger than 5 years of age should be vaccinated with the Hib vaccine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Start Here

• About Haemophilus influenzae Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Questions and Answers Immunization Action Coalition
• Vaccine (Shot) for Hib Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Find an Expert

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Haemophilus Infections National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Haemophilus influenzae type b National Institutes of Health

Related Issues

• Epiglottitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Encyclopedia

• Epiglottitis Medical Encyclopedia
• Meningitis – H. influenzae Medical Encyclopedia

Diagnosis and Tests

• Haemophilus influenzae Disease (Including Hib) Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Haemophilus Influenzae Type b American Academy of Pediatrics

Symptoms

• Haemophilus influenzae Disease (Including Hib) Symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Patient Handouts

• Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine: What You Need to Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Images

• Hib Photos Immunization Action Coalition

Journal Articles

• Haemophilus Infections

Specifics

• Types of Haemophilus influenzae Infections Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Children

• Vaccines Protect Your Child against Hib Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention