Some people infected with Hib do not show any symptoms. For those who do, the type of symptoms depend on the part of the body that is infected:
- Brain (meningitis) – inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. Convulsions or seizures may also occur.
- Lungs (pneumonia) – infection of the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, lack of energy, loss of appetite, headache, chest pain and cough.
- Windpipes (epiglottitis) – inflammation of the windpipe. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and swallowing, pale colour and fever.
- Bones and joints (osteomyelitis) – infection of the bones and joints. Symptoms include swelling, inflammation and pain over the affected bone.
- Skin (cellulitis) – infection of the skin or soft tissue. Symptoms in the affected area include redness, heat, swelling and tenderness. There may also be a discharge of fluid or pus.