Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is serious bacterial disease. It was one of the biggest cause of bacterial meningitis in children until 1988, when the Hib vaccine was introduced. The influenza normally affects children under 5 although it can strike at any age. It is spread by person to person contact.
Infant Symptoms
An infant can have a high fever, blotchy skin and loss of appetite. Sometimes the infant experiences seizures. The infant will be fussy and hard to wake when sleeping.
Older Children and Adults
Older children and adults experience headaches, vomiting, a stiff neck or joint pain as symptoms of Hib. They can also experience sleepiness and find bright light bothersome.
Incubation
The incubation period is not known, but researchers believe it is less than a week. Hib can also be spread for as long as the person is not treated.
Treatment
Patients are typically treated in the hospital with antibiotics such as cefotaxime.
Prevention Drug
Rifampin has also been used to prevent Hib in people who have been exposed to Hib.
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