Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a life-threatening bacterial infection that can lead to serious illness, especially in children. Conditions such as meningitis, epiglottitis and pneumonia can develop very quickly and may require urgent medical attention.

Hib disease is spread mainly through coughing or sneezing or contact with discharges from the nose and throat of an infected person. Despite its name, Hib is not a form of influenza (flu).

Before the introduction of immunisation in 1993, Hib was a common cause of life-threatening infection in children under five. Routine immunisation has been highly effective in reducing the incidence of this disease in Australia. Children under five years of age and people at increased risk of developing Hib infection should be immunised.

Symptoms
If you suspect that your child may have any of the following symptoms, it is important that you seek urgent medical attention:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Convulsions or seizures
• Severe drowsiness
• Difficulty waking up
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty with breathing.

• Meningitis – an infection of the membrane covering the brain. Signs include fever, stiff neck, drowsiness, irritability and refusing food.
• Epiglottitis – inflammation of the flap at the top of the windpipe (epiglottis), which can block a child’s breathing. Signs can include severe breathing difficulties, fever, restlessness and irritability.
• Pneumonia – lung inflammation. Symptoms include fever, cough, chest pains and breathing problems, such as shortness of breath.
• Septic arthritis – joint infection. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling and reduced mobility of the joint.
• Cellulitis – infection of the tissue under the skin, usually on the face

• Physical examination
• Blood test
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test by lumbar puncture
• Other specimens.

• Admission to hospital
• A course of the appropriate antibiotics.

• All children at two, four, six and 12 months – as part of a combined vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio and haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine)
• Children up to five years of age who have not been previously immunised – a single catch-up dose is required.

• Is unwell on the day of immunisation (temperature over 38.5° C)
• Has ever had a serious reaction to any vaccine or has any allergies.

• A mild temperature
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Mild swelling, redness and pain at the injection site
• Temporary small lump at the injection site
• Irritability or crying – your child may appear generally unsettled.

• Giving your child extra fluids to drink
• Not overdressing your child
• Placing a cold, wet cloth over the sore injection spot
• Paracetamol to reduce any fever – check the label for the correct dose (especially for children).

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
• Your doctor
• Your local Maternal and Child Health centre
• Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Your local council immunisation service
• Immunisation Program - Department of Health Victoria, Tel. 1300 882 008
• Emergency department of your local hospital
• National Immunisation Infoline Tel. 1800 671 811

• Babies and children under five years of age should receive the full course of immunisation against Hib.
• Without immunisation, your child could die from Hib.
• Serious reactions to the Hib vaccine are rare.

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