The Symptoms of Haemophilus Influenza

Haemophilus influenza, or H. influenzae, is a group of infectious bacteria that can cause various symptoms in infants, children and adolescents. H. influenzae typically infects the eyes, ears or sinuses. A more virulent strain of Haemophilus influenzae, H. influenzae type b, is extremely rare due to new vaccination protocols, but if contracted, it can cause epiglottis or meningitis, two dangerous and sometimes fatal infections.

Otitis Media

• Otitis media, commonly called a middle ear infection, is one of the most common symptoms of H. influenza. Symptoms of otitis media include irritability, sleep disturbance, fever, ear pain, ear drainage, loss of balance, hearing difficulty, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and congestion.

Sinusitis

• Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses. Symptoms in young children (5 and younger) include cough, runny nose and swelling around the eyes. Symptoms in older children include runny nose, fever, sore throat, cough, swelling around the eyes, facial pain, headache and bad breath.

Conjunctivitis

• Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membranes (conjunctiva) that line the inside and cover the eyes. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include swelling, burning, redness, drainage and sensitivity to light.

Epiglottitis

• Epiglottis is an infection of the area of the throat that protects the larynx and trachea during swallowing. Early symptoms of epiglottis include upper respiratory infection, sore throat and fever. If the infection worsens, symptoms may include drooling, inability to speak, sitting in a forward-leaning position and a gaping mouth.

Meningitis

• Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In infants, symptoms include behavior changes, increased sleeping, loss of appetite, irritability, inconsolable crying, crying when picked up or held and a bulging soft spot. In children older than 1 year, symptoms include headache, stiff neck, neck or back pain, nausea and vomiting.