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Signs & Symptoms of Haemophilus Influenza Type B

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.

  1. 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.

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