Haemophilus Influenzae Precautions

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a gram-negative bacterium that primarily affects infants and children younger than 5, and can cause serious invasive infections like pneumonia and meningitis. The disease is uncommon among older children, though it may affect older patients who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions.



Childhood vaccination against Hib has greatly reduced the incidence of Hib infection in the United States. When dealing with infected patients, health care providers should follow the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Standard Precautions

• Wear gloves, a mask, eye protection and a gown when working with the patient. Use care when handling equipment and linens the patient has contacted, to avoid spreading microorganisms to other equipment or people.

  Wash your hands after coming in contact with the patient. If mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is necessary, use a mouthpiece or some other form of ventilation device.

Droplet Precautions

• Place the patient in a private room, or group him with other patients who have the same infection. If these precautions are not feasible, maintain at least 3 feet of distance between the H. Influenzae patient and other patients.

  Wear a mask when you must work within 3 feet of the patient. Do not transport the patient unless it's necessary. When transporting the patient, the patient and health care providers must wear masks.

Other Precautions

• Vaccinate children under 5 immediately if they have been in contact with the patient, and are unimmunized or incompletely immunized. Children under 3, and immunocompromised children, may need treatment with rifampicin as a post-exposure prophylaxis.