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Prevention The diseases caused by this germ are often life-threatening.  Vaccines against H.  influenzae type b have been available for some time now.  Since the vaccines were introduced in USA, the incidence of meningitis in children has reduced to a small fraction of the earlier incidence. The schedule of the vaccine depends on the age at which vaccination is begun.  If the first dose is given in the first six months of life, another two should be given, with an interval of 4-8 weeks between each two doses.  These should be followed by a booster dose at the age of 15 months. If the first dose is given after six months, only one more dose is recommended, after 4-8 weeks, followed by the 15 months booster.  If the first dose is delayed beyond one year, it should be followed by only the 15 month booster.  If the child is unvaccinated beyond 15 months, only a single dose is adequate.  Infection by H.  influenzae is rare after the age of 5 years, and the vaccine is not recommended after this age. It sounds attractive to vaccinate a child after the age of 15 months, as only a single dose will be needed.  Keep in mind, however, that the disease is common and dangerous in the first year of life.

H. influenzae b Disease
in Children

This isn't a disease, it's the name of a bacterium.  An aggressive one which specialises in children, and causes serious, life threatening infections.

H.  influenzae is an important cause of illness in young children.  There are many known types of H. influenzae, and some strains are called "untypable", but the most serious disease is caused by H. influenzae type b.  About 90% of all serious disease caused by this bug is in children less than 5 years old.

The most important disease caused by H.  influenzae type b is meningitis.  This is an infection of the coverings of the brain, and causes fever, vomiting, seizures and unconsciousness.  Death rates are up to 20%, and the survivors often have residual problems.  These include behavioural problems, seizures, deafness, vision defects, mental retardation, and hydrocephalus (collection of water in the brain).

Cellulitis is an infection of the tissues under the skin.  It can spread very rapidly, and the child may become seriously ill.

Epiglottitis is an infection of the epiglottis - a small structure inside the throat.  The infection is accompanied by marked swelling, which can obstruct breathing.  It is considered an emergency because of potential for sudden death.

Pneumonia in children under the age of 4 years is often due to H.  influenzae type b.  It is difficult to differentiate from pneumonia caused by other germs.

Other diseases include septic arthritis (infection of a joint), otitis (infection of an ear), osteomyelitis (infection of a bone), bacteremia (bacteria circulating in the blood), and pericarditis (infection of the coverings of the heart).  All H. influenzae type b infections are difficult to treat, since this bug is often resistant to common antibiotics.

Last revision: July 15, 2007

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