Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in babies
8-minute read
If you think your child has meningitis, pneumonia or epiglottitis, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium.
- Hib causes serious infections such as meningitis and epiglottitis.
- These infections are usually treated with antibiotics, which are given at home or in hospital.
- Hib-containing vaccines are the best way to protect your baby from Hib.
- The Hib vaccine is free for babies from 2 months of age.
What is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)?
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that causes severe, life-threatening infections in babies.
These infections include:
- meningitis — infection of the membrane around the brain
- pneumonia — infection of the lungs
- epiglottitis — infection of the windpipe
- osteomyelitis — a type of bone infection
- cellulitis — an infection of the skin and the tissue underneath
- septicaemia — blood poisoning
- septic arthritis — joint infection
If your baby gets a Hib infection, they will need urgent medical care. Babies and children can die from the diseases caused by Hib.
In Australia, the rates of Hib infections have been low in Australia since 1993. This is when the vaccine was added to the National Immunisation Program schedule.
What are the symptoms of Hib?
The symptoms of Hib will depend on which part of your baby's body is affected. It can take 2 to 4 days for the symptoms of an infection to appear.
Meningitis can cause your baby to:
- be tired
- not want to feed
- vomit (be sick)
- have a fever — a temperature of 38°C or higher
- have a bulging fontanelle — the soft spot on the top of their head
Pneumonia can cause your baby to:
- be short of breath
- have a fever
- be tired
- not want to eat
- have an ongoing cough
Epiglottitis can cause your baby to:
- have breathing problems
- have a fever
- look pale
- have problems swallowing
- dribble
Osteomyelitis can cause your baby to have:
- swelling, redness and warmth in the area
- pain over their bone
- have a fever
Cellulitis can cause your baby's skin to become:
- red
- hot
- swollen
- tender
Find out more about the symptoms of Hib infections in older children and adults.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes Hib?
A bacterium causes Hib. It's often found in the upper respiratory tract of healthy people.
Hib spreads through contact with droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person. You do not have to have symptoms to spread the bacterium.
When should I see my doctor?
Call your doctor straight away if you think your child has been in contact with someone with a Hib infection.
Do not go to the clinic since you don't want to infect people in the waiting room. Phone your doctor and they will let you know the safest way to see them. Ask your doctor about the possibility of a telehealth appointment.
Learn more about signs your baby is sick.
When to seek urgent care
If you think your baby has meningitis, pneumonia or epiglottitis, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Go to your nearest emergency department if your baby shows signs of a severe infection, such as:
- a stiff neck
- seizures
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty waking up
- being very tired or not being able to stay awake
- loss of consciousness
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is Hib diagnosed?
The doctor will examine your baby and ask you about their symptoms. They may also arrange for your baby to have:
- blood tests
- a lumbar puncture — to test the fluid around their spinal cord
Hib is a notifiable disease in Australia. This means that if your baby has Hib, your doctor will tell your local public health unit. They will try to trace people your baby may have had contact with. This helps prevent large outbreaks from happening.
How is Hib treated?
Hib is treated with antibiotics. Your baby may be given these at home or in hospital, depending on how sick they are.
They may also be given:
- pain relief medicine such as paracetamol
- fluids to prevent dehydration
If your baby has Hib, you may also need to take antibiotics to stop you from getting sick.
What are the complications of Hib?
Both meningitis and epiglottitis are very likely to cause death without proper treatment. Even with treatment, up to 5 in 100 people with Hib meningitis die.
About 1 in 4 people who survive Hib-meningitis have ongoing brain or nerve damage. This can cause:
- hearing loss
- cerebral palsy
- seizures
Can Hib be prevented?
It's recommended that your baby get a Hib vaccine at:
- 2 months of age
- 4 months of age
- 6 months of age
- 18 months of age
Your baby will get a hexavalent (combined) vaccine. This helps to protect them against 6 infectious diseases:
- Hib
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- pertussis (whooping cough)
- polio
- hepatitis B
After vaccination, about 1 in 4 babies get swelling and redness at the injection site and nearly 1 in 3 will get a fever. However, these symptoms will get better within 24 hours.
It's important that your baby gets their vaccinations on time. This makes sure that they have the best protection against Hib and other infectious diseases.
Find out more about who should get the Hib vaccine.
Find out more about the free vaccinations that are available to your baby in Australia.
Preventing the transmission (spread) of Hib
Keep your baby at home and away from other people until they have finished their antibiotics. Your doctor will tell you when they are no longer infectious.
Find out more about childcare exclusion periods.
Resources and support
For more information about vaccinations for babies in Australia, look at the National Immunisation Program Schedule.
The Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation website has tools to help you make decisions about vaccination and your family.
Learn more about vaccine preventable diseases in Australia.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.