Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) factsheet
Introduction
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacteria that causes severe and life-threatening infection and illness in children.
Hib can lead to severe illness that develops very quickly, including:
- meningitis – infection of the brain and lining
- epiglottitis - infection of the windpipe
- pneumonia – infection of the air sacs in the lungs
- osteomyelitis - infection of the bones
- cellulitis - infection of the tissue under the skin.
Hib bacteria spread when infected fluid droplets come into contact with your child’s nose or throat. Infected fluid droplets are released into the air and onto objects from coughing and sneezing.
In some people, Hib bacteria can live in the throat without causing symptoms. This means they can spread Hib without realising they have it.
Hib infection can be life-threatening and needs urgent medical care.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of Hib can show up two to four days after infection and may look different depending on which part of the body is infected.
A child with Hib can spread the bacteria as long as it is in their nose and throat. Not every person with Hib will show symptoms.
See your local doctor immediately if you think your child has symptoms of Hib.
Meningitis - brain
Epiglottitis - windpipe
- breathing difficulties
- fever
- looking more pale than usual
- difficulty swallowing
- driblling.
Pneumonia - lungs
Osteomyelitis - bones
- swelling
- inflammation
- pain over the bone
- infection in other joints.
Cellulitis - skin
The skin can become:
- red
- hot
- swollen
- tender.
Symptoms of severe infection
Go to your nearest emergency department if your child shows signs of a severe infection:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- convulsions or seizures
- not being able to stay awake or being very tired
- difficulty waking up
- loss of consciousness or passing out
- difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis
Other bacteria can cause similar infections, so it is important that your child’s doctor tests specifically for Hib.
Your child’s doctor can diagnose Hib by:
- doing a physical check of symptoms
- doing a blood test
- testing fluid from around the spine.
An emergency diagnosis can happen when symptoms start suddenly in a child who was previously well.
Hib as a notifiable disease
Hib is a notifiable disease in Australia. This means it is a risk to the public, and cases must be reported to the government health departments.
Your family has a right to privacy, so your child’s treatment team and the NSW health department will manage reporting. They can notify other people and services you may have had close contact with.
Speak to your child’s doctor about informing the school and other activities.
Treatment
Hib is treated with antibiotics. Depending on how unwell your child is, these can be given at home or in the hospital.
Children with Hib must stay away from other people until they finish their antibiotics and their doctor says they are no longer infectious. This includes staying home from school, daycare and other activities.
People living with a child who has a Hib infection may need to take antibiotics to prevent illness.
Management
Hib immunisation
Hib can be prevented with four doses of the Hib vaccine.
The Hib vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Program Schedule for children in Australia, which means the vaccination is free.
Children can get the Hib vaccine at:
- six weeks
- four months
- six months
- 18 months.
The Hib vaccine is also available for:
- people under 20 who missed their childhood vaccination or need a catch-up vaccination
- people who do not have a spleen or have a spleen that does not work well
- children who have had a stem-cell transplant
- refugees who did not have the vaccination during childhood.
Side effects from vaccines are uncommon and usually mild but may include:
- pain and swelling where the needle was injected
- a faint, red rash
- swollen throat glands
- a low temperature
- feeling unsettled and sleepy.
Speak to your local doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the Hib vaccine.
