Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is not an influenza virus, but it is a Gram-negative bacteria. Haemophilus influenzae is divided into the type of capsule and not capsule. The not-capsule type is generally not malignant and only causes mild infections, such as pharyngitis or otitis media.
The capsule type is divided into 6 stereotypes from a to f. Among the types of capsules, type B is the most malignant type and is one of the most common causes of pain and death in infants and children under 5 years old.
Hib infection causes meningitis (inflammation of the brain membranes) with symptoms of fever, stiffness, decreased consciousness, seizures and death. Other diseases that can occur are pneumonia, cellulitis, arthritis and epiglottis.
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a bacterium that can cause a number of serious diseases, especially in young children who are under the age of five years old. However, older persons with certain medical conditions of HIV or sickle anemia may also be infected with an infection that has been a serious health problem in the UK some time ago.
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a bacterium that can cause infections in various parts of the body’s organs, such as the brain, respiratory tract, lungs, bones, to the heart.
Who is included in the risk group for Hib infection?
Hib infections As mentioned are the causes of severe infections that often attack infants and children under the age of 5 years. Parents aged 65 years or older are also at high risk of developing this disease. Individuals with certain medical conditions are susceptible to infected Hib, such medical conditions include:
- Sickle cell disease
- Asplenia (does not have spleen)
- HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus)
- Antibody and complement deficiency syndromes
- Malignant Tumors
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Symptoms
According to the NHS, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) can live in the nose and throat of healthy people. Generally, this bacterial attack does not cause any symptoms.
How is Hib infection transmitted?
These bacteria usually spread through the mucus or snot sufferers when he coughed or sneezes. The way it is spread is exactly the same as the usual influenza virus spread.
Usually the bacteria settle in the nose and throat (no harm). Furthermore, bacteria can enter the blood circulation, then spread and cause infections in the individual. The incubation period (the time between exposure and symptoms arises) of the disease is not necessarily, but it can be in a matter of days.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine
Hib vaccines are important to give to toddlers. The goal is that they avoid harmful diseases caused by bacterial infections Haemophilus influenzae type B.
Is The Hib vaccine to prevent influenza?
Not. Hib vaccine is to prevent diseases caused by Hib germ, which can cause inflammation of the brain (meningitis), pneumonia, ear infections (otitis media) and others.
After Hib vaccinated, which can prevent meningitis and pneumonia, is it unnecessary to be vaccinated for pneumococcus?
Hib vaccine can only prevent meningitis (inflammation of the brain) and pneumonia caused by Hib germ. While meningitis and pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria cannot be prevented with Hib vaccine, but should be prevented by pneumococcal vaccine. Therefore, preferably babies get both vaccines on schedule.
Benefits of Hib vaccine
Hib bacterial infection is usually experienced by children under the age of 5 years, with the highest incidence rate in infants aged 6 – 12 months. Therefore, Hib vaccines are very important given to children.
These vaccines are administered to prevent children from experiencing the following severe illnesses:
- Meningitis
- Septicemia.
- Epiglottis
- Osteomyelitis
- Pericarditis.
- Pneumonia
- Septic arthritis
- Cellulitis
To prevent children from various harmful diseases above, it is important to provide a complete immunization for children including the Hib vaccine.
