Hib (Haemophilus influenzae
type b)
Vaccine
Hib Vaccine Fact Sheet (PDF
54 KB) Español (PDF 277 KB)
Hib disease is caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b.
When Hib bacteria invade the bloodstream, they may cause a variety of
illnesses, such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal
column and brain), epiglottitis (an infection and swelling of the epiglottis
in the throat, causing life-threatening difficulty in breathing), pneumonia,
arthritis, and a skin infection that spreads rapidly over the head, face, or
neck. This serious form of the disease is called invasive Hib disease.
Invasive Hib disease most commonly causes meningitis. It can be treated with
antibiotics, but most children with the disease still requires
hospitalization. Even with antibiotic treatment, 15% of children with Hib
meningitis die; many of those who recover suffer long-lasting neurological
problems. Hib disease may be transmitted through close contact with mucous
or droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person.
Symptoms may include fever, lethargy, and vomiting. Other symptoms depend
on the part of the body affected.
Hib: Vaccine |
Disease | Safety |
Questions & Answers
Please Note: All information is general
in nature and should
not substitute seeking proper medical
attention.
Citation: This information has been
compiled from resources provided by the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC). For more information on the CDC, visit their
website at:
www.cdc.gov/.
Immunization Program
Boulder County Public Health
3450 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304, (303) 413-7500
Submit a Question Online
|
E-mail Public
Health |
Map & Directions
|
