Haemophilus influenzae type b
Problems caused by Hib
Hib bacteria can cause several serious infections, including:
- meningitis infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
- Septicaemia blood poisoning
- pneumonia infection of the lungs
- pericarditis infection of the lining surrounding the heart
- epiglottitis infection of theepiglottis, the flap that covers the entrance to your windpipe
- septic arthritis infection of the joints
- cellulitis infection of the skin and underlying tissues
- osteomyelitis infection of the bones
Many children who develop Hib infections become very ill and need treatment with antibiotics in hospital.
Meningitis is the most severe illness caused by Hib. Even with treatment,1 in every 20 children with Hib meningitis will die.
Those who survive may have long-term problems, such as hearing loss , seizures and learning disabilities .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a bacterium that can cause a number of serious illnesses, particularly in young children.
Problems caused by Hib
Hib bacteria can cause several serious infections, including: meningitis infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord Septicaemia blood poisoning pneumonia infection of the lungs p
How Hib is spread
Hib bacteria can live in the nose and throat of healthy people, and usually don't cause any symptoms. The bacteria are usually spread in a similar way to cold and flu viruses, through infected drop
Hib vaccination
Vaccinating children against Hib has been very effective in cutting rates of Hib infections. From more than 800 confirmed cases a year in England in the early 1990s, the number of Hib infections has
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