08/22/25 Public Health Education Topic: Haemophilus Influenzae

Per CDC

Key points

• Bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae can cause many types of infections.

• Some of these infections are mild, while others are serious.

• In spite of its name, H. influenzae doesn't cause the flu.

• Vaccines can prevent infections from one type of H. influenzae, type b or Hib.

H. influenzae disease is a name for any infection caused by H. influenzae bacteria.

Types

H. influenzae can cause many different types of infections. These infections range from mild, like ear infections, to serious, like bloodstream infections.

Serious infections

The most common serious infections caused by H. influenzae are:

• Pneumonia (a lung infection)

• Bloodstream infection

• Meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)

• Epiglotittis (swelling of the throat)

• Cellulitis (skin infection)

• Infectious arthritis (swelling of the joint)

Mild infections

H. influenzae are a common cause of ear infections in children and bronchitis (chest cold) in adults.

Prevention

People can get H. influenzae, including Hib, disease more than once. Maintaining healthy habits, like washing hands often and not having close contact with people who are sick, helps prevent H. influenzae disease.

Vaccination

Vaccines can prevent Hib disease, but not disease caused by other types of H. influenzae. The best way to prevent Hib disease is to get vaccinated. CDC recommends Hib vaccines for all children younger than 5 years old.

Antibiotics

Sometimes close contacts of someone with Hib disease should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick. A healthcare provider or health department generally decides who should get preventive antibiotics.

To learn more visit: About Haemophilus influenzae Disease | H. influenzae | CDC