Diseases Prevented by Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine

The Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination was introduced in the 1990s. Before then, the infections caused by the Haemophilus influenzae bacterium led to many deaths in children below the age of 5.

According to WHO estimates in 2000, Hib was responsible for 8.13 million serious illnesses and approximately 371,000 deaths.

This article dives into what Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination is, the infections it protects against, and its vaccination schedule.

What is the Haemophilus B Vaccine?

The Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination has protected many children from infections caused by this bacterium. It is a conjugate vaccine, made from the sugar coating of the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria.

Haemophilus influenzae type b or H. Influenza is the bacterium that causes a range of infections in children under five and in adults with a weakened immune system. The bacterium primarily lives in a person’s nose and throat but can spread to other parts of the body and cause infection. While the name may suggest that it causes haemophilus flu, that actually is not the case.

What Diseases are Prevented by the Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine?

Most adults are immune to hib, and thus the mother passes on antibodies to their newborns. But they don’t last long, thereby exposing children to hib. However, the Haemophilus b vaccine can easily prevent them. The Haemophilus influenzae causes the following infections:

1. Ear Infection (Otitis Media): Infection of the area behind the eardrum (middle ear).
2. Cellulitis: Infection of tissue under the skin.
3. Bronchitis: Inflammation of bronchioles (air-carrying tubes in lungs).
4. Epiglottitis: Inflamed epiglottitis, the flap at the top of the windpipe.
5. Meningitis: Infection of the meninges, the linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
6. Pneumonia: Infection that inflames one or both lungs and causes mucus to accumulate.
7. Septicemia: Infection that occurs when the Haemophilus influenzae bacterium enters the bloodstream and spreads to the whole body.
8. Septic Arthritis: Inflammation of the lining of joints.

What are the Symptoms of Haemophilus Influenzae?

Haemophilus influenzae symptoms vary depending on the type of infection it causes. Fever is a common symptom among all these infections. Other than fever, the symptoms include the following:

Ear Infection

1. Pain
2. Irritability
3. Poor sleep
4. Drainage
5. Hearing difficulty
6. Loss of appetite

Cellulitis

1. Tenderness
2. Swelling
3. Warmth
4. Pain
5. Blisters
6. Dicolouration

Bronchitis

1. Frequent mucus-producing cough
2. Shortness of breath
3. Wheezing

Epiglottitis

1. Severe sore throat
2. Difficulty swallowing
3. Raspy breathing
4. Breathing difficulty
5. Drooling

Meningitis

1. Headache
2. Stiff neck
3. Fatigue
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Irritability
6. Decreases appetite
7. Confusion
8. Seizures

Pneumonia

1. Cough
2. Shortness of breath
3. Sweating
4. Chest pain
5. Headache
6. Muscle pain

Septicemia

1. Abdominal pain
2. Diahorrea
3. Anxiety or confusion
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Breathing difficulty

Septic Arthritis

1. Joint pain
2. Tenderness
3. Swelling
4. Warmth
5. Decreased range of motion

The Haemophilus influenzae treatment depends on the type of infection. If a child presents with symptoms of any of these infections, it is critical that parents consult a doctor and schedule a Haemophilus test at Dr Lal PathLabs.

Download the Dr Lal PathLabs app to schedule a test conveniently!

FAQs

1. Is the Hib vaccine the same as the Hep B vaccine?
   No, the Hib vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae, while the Hep B vaccine protects against hepatitis B. However, both these vaccines are part of India’s universal immunisation program.
2. Who is most at risk of Haemophilus?
   Children below the age of 5 and adults with a compromised immune system, having medical conditions like sickle cell disease, no or damaged spleen, and HIV, are most at risk of Haemophilus without vaccination.