Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
NHS information about haemophilus influenzae (Hib), including symptoms, what causes it, and the vaccines that can help prevent it.
A Hib infection can cause serious conditions including:
- infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
- a severe immune reaction (sepsis)
- infection of part of your windpipe (epiglottitis)
- infection of the lungs (pneumonia)
You can become very ill with these conditions and will need treatment in hospital.
Even with successful treatment, there may be lasting effects such as hearing loss, seizures, loss of limbs and learning disabilities.
Symptoms of Hib infection depend on what part of the body is affected.
Symptoms may include:
- a high temperature
- difficulty breathing – babies may make grunting noises
- being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake
- blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be noticeable under the nails or around the eyes
- a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not disappear when you press a glass against it
- a headache
- a sore throat
- swollen or painful joints
If you think you or your child might have a Hib infection, it's important to get medical help straight away.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You, your child or someone else:
- is breathing very fast or having difficulty breathing – a baby or child under 5 years may make grunting noises or their tummy may be sucking under their rib cage when they breathe
- has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- has a very high temperature – 38C or more in babies under 3 months old, or 39C or more in babies 3 to 6 months old
- has a very low temperature – less than 36C, or feels cold to the touch or is shivery
- has a seizure (a fit)
- is not responding like they normally do – a baby or child under 5 years may not be feeding, may be difficult to wake or may be more sleepy than usual
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS one if:
You, your child or someone else:
- has dark yellow or brown pee or is peeing less than normal, for example, your baby has fewer wet nappies
- keeps being sick and cannot keep any food down (or milk for babies and young children)
- has any other symptoms you're worried about
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Trust your instincts
If a child or adult is seriously ill after a Hib infection, they might not have every symptom listed. Get immediate medical help if you or your child are unwell and you think there's something seriously wrong.
The main treatment for a Hib infection is antibiotics. You'll usually need to be treated in hospital.
You may be given oxygen and other medicines such as steroids, depending on your symptoms. Other treatments, including surgery, may also be needed.
If you have a Hib infection, your close contacts, such as anyone you live with, may be offered antibiotics to stop them getting ill.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent serious Hib infections.
The 6-in-1 vaccine protects against Hib and is offered to children as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
It's given in 4 doses at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months old.
If your child has missed their 6-in-1 vaccinations, you can ask your GP about how they can get it.
Hib is spread by sneezing and coughing, the same as how colds and flu spread.
Hib bacteria can live in the nose and throat of many healthy people without causing any problems. But healthy people can still pass it on and cause others to get ill.
Some people are more at risk of getting seriously ill from a Hib infection, including:
- babies and young children
- people with a weakened immune system, including people who have had their spleen removed
- older people
