Maine Bureau of Health s3

Haemophilus influenzae Fact Sheet

What is Haemophilus influenzae disease? This disease, sometimes called H. flu, is caused Should contacts of someone who has H. flu be by Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. One kind, treated? called type b (Hib), was once the most common Treatment is recommended for all household cause of bacterial infection in children. Due to members of someone diagnosed with Hib disease widespread use of Hib vaccine in children, few only if there is at least one unvaccinated child cases are reported each year. Types other than under 4 years of age or a child or adult with a type b can cause disease in the elderly and adults weak immune system living in the home. with underlying diseases. Preventive treatment for unvaccinated daycare center contacts of known Hib cases may also be How is it spread? recommended. H.flu spreads from person to person through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs How can H. flu disease be prevented? or sneezes. A person can have the germs in their The best way to protect against Hib disease is by nose and throat and never get sick, but they can getting vaccinated. There are no vaccines for use pass them on to someone else. If they spread against non-type b disease. into the lungs or blood, they can cause serious illness. Who should get the Hib vaccine?  All infants should get a series of Hib shots What are the symptoms of H. flu disease? starting when they are 2 months old. These bacteria cause many kinds of illnesses including these invasive types:  Children 15 months through 4 years of age who  meningitis (irritation of the coverings of the are getting Hib vaccine for the first time need at spine and brain) least one dose.  blood infections  Persons age 5 years or older who have not gotten Hib vaccine before, and those who have  pneumonia (infection of the lungs), and certain other serious health problems should get at least one dose of the vaccine.  joint infections. Who should not get Hib vaccine? People who have ever had a serious reaction to a Who is at highest risk? previous dose of Hib vaccine and children less Infants who have not had all their shots are at than 6 weeks of age should not get Hib vaccine. greatest risk. Hib disease is most common in People who are moderately or severely ill at the children 6 to 18 months of age. Children and time the shot is scheduled should wait until they adults with weak immune systems and recover. unvaccinated household and daycare contacts of known Hib cases are also at higher risk for Hib. Where can I get more information? The elderly and adults with underlying disease are Contact your healthcare provider or local health also at greatest risk of non-type b disease. center for more information. You can also contact the Maine Center for Disease Control and How is it diagnosed? Prevention by calling 1-800-821-5821 or at H. flu disease of any invasive type is diagnosed www.maine.gov/idepi. The federal Centers for when the bacteria are grown from the blood, Disease Control and Prevention website - spinal fluid or other sterile site of an infected http://www.cdc.gov – is another excellent source person. of health information. How is it treated? Serious infections are treated with antibiotics. Revised 11/12/15; Reviewed 5/26/16 Source of information: CDC Accessed 11/12/15