Haemophilus influenzae type b
Introduction
Haemophilus influenzae type b ( Hib ) is a bacterium that can cause a number of serious illnesses, particularly in young children.
Hib infections used to be a serious health problem in the UK, but the routine immunisation against Hib , given to infants since 1992, means these infections are now rare.
Of the small number of cases that do occur nowadays, most affect adults with long-term (chronic) underlying medical conditions, rather than young children.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 11 Nov 2016
Introduction
Find out about haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a bacterium that can cause a number of serious illnesses, particularly in young children.
Problems caused by Hib
Hib bacteria can cause several serious infections, including: meningitis infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord Septicaemia blood poisoning pneumonia infection of the lungs p
How Hib is spread
Hib bacteria can live in the nose and throat of healthy people, and usually don't cause any symptoms. The bacteria are usually spread in a similar way to cold and flu viruses, through infected drop
Hib vaccination
Vaccinating children against Hib has been very effective in cutting rates of Hib infections. From more than 800 confirmed cases a year in England in the early 1990s, the number of Hib infections has
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