Haemophilus influenza type B
Hib; haemophilus; influenza; type; B; headache; convulsion; fit; seizure; meningitis; fever; stiff; neck; epiglottitis; infectious; diseases; immunise; immunisation; vaccine; immunize; vaccination ;
Contents
Before the introduction of Hib immunisation in 1993, the bacterial infection Haemophilus influenza type B was one of the most common causes of meningitis in young children (generally under the age of 2 years), and it was also the cause of epiglottitis which causes breathing problems.
Alert!
Immediately call your doctor if a child has any of the following:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- fits (convulsion, seizure)
- severe drowsiness
- difficulty waking up
- loss of consciousness
- or difficulty with breathing
Important note
Any young child (under the age of about 8 years) who has been in contact with someone with Hib meningitis or epiglottitis or other Hib disease (eg at home or at child care) should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to discuss whether any preventive treatment is needed. It is likely that the school, child care centre or your local Communicable Diseases Unit will contact you if this treatment is needed.
What is Hib?
- Hib is Haemophilus influenza type B, a bacterial infection which can cause severe illness, especially in young children.
- Apart from causing meningitis, Hib was the main cause of epiglottitis (generally in children aged between 2 years and 8 years).
- It can also cause otitis media, sinusitis, skin and bone infections, and pneumonia.
- It is not related to the viruses which cause influenza.
Who is at risk?
- Before the introduction of Hib immunisation in 1993 there were about 500 cases of Hib disease in Australian children each year, with 10 to 15 deaths, and 20-40 survivors with permanent brain damage (similar to measles and polio before the beginning of immunisation for these diseases.)
- Since the introduction of Hib immunisation there has been a very large drop in the numbers of children who get Hib diseases.
- All young children, especially those who spend time with other young children (eg in child care), are at risk from Hib.
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are at much greater risk of Hib diseases than non-Aboriginal children.
- People over the age of 6 years rarely get sick due to Hib.
- Children under 2 years who get sick due to Hib do not become immune to the infection. They still need to be protected by immunisation.
How long Hib takes to develop
It is not known how long Hib illnesses take to develop and it probably varies.
Signs and symptoms
- Hib meningitis is very similar to other types of meningitis. Signs include fever, headache, stiff neck, irritability, crying, tiredness, vomiting and refusing food and drinks (see the topic 'Meningitis').
- Hib epiglottitis causes noisy breathing, difficulty with breathing and swallowing, sore throat, fever, and causes the child to look very unwell. In some ways it is similar to croup, but the child is much more ill. (see the topics 'Epiglottitis' and 'Croup').
What you can do
- If your child shows any of the signs of meningitis or severe breathing problems you should see your doctor immediately.
- Hib diseases can be very serious and generally need hospital treatment.
Protecting children from Hib disease (Immunisation)
- In Australia Hib vaccine is recommended for all infants from 2 months, and is free of charge for children between 0 and 5 years (see the topic 'Immunisation').
- In different states of Australia there may be different schedules. All recommend the first Hib injection is given at 2 months
- In South Australia Hib immunisation against Hib are given at 2, 4 and 6 months - Schedule
- For other States - see Immunise Australia
- Older children and adults can carry the Hib germs without becoming ill, so it will stay in the community and there will be an ongoing need for immunisation.
- Hib disease is notifiable, so that actions can be taken to protect other children.
References
Immunise Australia
http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), 9th Edition, 2008
'The Australian Immunisation Handbook',
Department of Health South Australia 'Haemophilus Influenza Type B'
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/haemophilusflub-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.