Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Overview
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a type of bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections. Babies and children are most at risk of getting seriously ill and can get vaccinated against it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Hib infection depend on what part of the body is affected. Symptoms may include: a high temperaturedifficulty breathing – babies may make grunting noisesbeing sleepier than normal or difficult to wakeblue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be noticeable under the nails or around the eyesa rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not disappear when you press a glass against ita headachea sore throatswollen or painful joints
Treatment
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 assteroids, 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.