Haemophilus Influenzae Prevention

According to the University of Virginia Health System, Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a group of bacteria that may cause infections and pneumonia. It is generally contracted by infants and young children, however, adults get it, too. A more serious strain, H. influenzae type b, is prevented through a series of immunizations given to infants and children under the age of 5. The North Dakota Department of Health advises there is no vaccine for H. influenzae non-type b.

Immunization

• The University of Virginia provides a time line to guide you in determining when your child should be immunized for H. influenzae type b: "The first vaccine is received at 2 months of age and the two subsequent doses are given at about 4 months and 6 months. A booster is then given between 12 and 15 months of age. If a child did not receive the vaccine and is older than 5 years, it may not be necessary for them to be immunized." Consult with your medical adviser on immunizations for your children.

Transmission

• According to Merck, H. influenzae may be transmitted through the air, by direct contact and body fluids. You can inhale droplets from a cough or sneeze and become infected. If your family member is infected and touches you or you come in contact with the family member's body fluid, the bacteria may spread. The North Dakota Department of Health warns that H. influenzae infections are spread as long as the bacteria is present. Once you start taking antibiotics, you can spread the bacteria for an additional 24 to 48 hours.

Prevention

• Several common types of H. influenzae occur in young children and adults, such as middle ear (otitis media), eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) and sinusitis infections. They are not life threatening and are usually treated with antibiotics once they occur.

  If you get an eye infection, like pink eye, the North Dakota Department of Health recommends the following precautions to prevent the spread of bacteria: hand washing before and after touching the eyes, mouth and nose and sanitizing objects such as doorknobs, tables, telephone, toys and blankets.

  In his A-Z Guide article on ear infections, Dr. Allan Greene advises that although a middle ear infection is not contagious, it usually results from an upper respiratory infection that is contagious. He suggest decreasing your child's exposure to ear-infecting bacteria by keeping your children and family members away from small closed-in rooms where other children or individuals who may have upper respiratory infections are present. Additionally, he recommends frequent hand washing and toy washing as preventive measures, circulating fresh air and using HEPA filters.

  The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) states that most people harbor bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae in their nose and throat and do not get sick. When you get a cold, the pressure from sniffing and blowing your nose, in addition to inflammation and mucus buildup, contribute to the movement and growth of bacteria in your sinuses and may cause acute sinusitis. Allergies cause a similar reaction. You may be able to minimize the impact on your sinuses by using saline sprays and/or a dehumidifier to keep the sinuses moist.

  Meningitis and epiglottitis are type b infections and can be life-threatening. Greene suggests using antibiotics as a preventive measure if you come in contact with an individual with these forms of H. influenzae.