Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Symptoms, Risks & Prevention

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is serious bacterial disease. It was one of the biggest cause of bacterial meningitis in children until 1988, when the Hib vaccine was introduced. The influenza normally affects children under 5 although it can strike at any age. It is spread by person to person contact.

Infant Symptoms

• An infant can have a high fever, blotchy skin and loss of appetite. Sometimes the infant experiences seizures. The infant will be fussy and hard to wake when sleeping.

Older Children and Adults

• Older children and adults experience headaches, vomiting, a stiff neck or joint pain as symptoms of Hib. They can also experience sleepiness and find bright light bothersome.

Incubation

• The incubation period is not known, but researchers believe it is less than a week. Hib can also be spread for as long as the person is not treated.

Treatment

• Patients are typically treated in the hospital with antibiotics such as cefotaxime.

Prevention Drug

• Rifampin has also been used to prevent Hib in people who have been exposed to Hib.