What is Haemophilus influenzae type A?
Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a type of bacteria that can cause several different kinds of infections. These bacterial infections can range from mild, such as ear infections, to severe, such as bloodstream infections. The infections typically affect children younger than 5 years old.
How did I get Haemophilus influenzae?
People spread H. influenzae, including Hib, to others through respiratory droplets. People who are infected spread the bacteria by coughing or sneezing, which creates small respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria. Other people can get sick if they breathe in those droplets.
Is Haemophilus influenzae influenza A?
Despite its name, Hib is a bacterium and is not a form of influenza (flu), which is caused by a virus. Before the introduction of Hib immunisation in 1993, Hib was a common cause of life-threatening infection in children under five.
What symptoms does Haemophilus influenzae cause?
Haemophilus influenzae can cause many different kinds of infections.
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Symptoms of bloodstream infection usually include:
- Fever and chills.
- Excessive tiredness.
- Pain in the belly.
- Nausea with or without vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Anxiety.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Altered mental status (confusion)
How contagious is Haemophilus influenzae?
Haemophilus influenza bacteria are spread through respiratory droplets and through person-to-person contact. The contagious period varies and, unless treated, can last for as long as the bacteria are present in the nose and throat, even after symptoms have disappeared.
How long are you contagious with Haemophilus influenzae?
The contagious period varies and, unless treated, may last as long as the organism is in the nose and throat, even after symptoms disappear. A person can no longer spread Hib disease after taking the proper antibiotics for 1-2 days.
Does Haemophilus influenzae need isolation?
Serotyping is recommended for all H. influenzae isolates from sterile sites and required on isolates from children under 5 years old.
Do you isolate for Haemophilus influenzae?
The patient should remain on droplet precautions until 24 hours after initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy. Increased rates of Haemophilus influenzae that may or may not be linked epidemiologically are considered an outbreak.