Page last updated
18 January 2022
Hib disease is a serious bacterial infection that can be life-threatening.
FAQ
What is Hib disease?
While the Hib bacteria can live harmlessly in the throat of healthy people, if it does spread and move on to other parts of the body (i.e. lungs or bloodstream), it can cause some serious complications, such as:
- meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
- epiglottitis (inflammation of the flap and the top of the windpipe)
- pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
- osteomyelitis (infection of the bones and joints)
- cellulitis (infection under the skin, usually on the face).
Sources & Citations
3. Queensland Health. Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib). Available at: http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/media/pdf/14/33/67/haemophilus-influenzae-type-b-hib-v11 (accessed 24 November 2021).
5. Better Health Channel. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Available at: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/haemophilus-influenzae-type-b-hib (accessed 24 November 2021).
MAT-AU-2102459 Date of preparation January 2022
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