According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Haemophilus influenzae type B, also known as H. flu, is a bacteria, not a virus. Once the leading cause of serious systemic infections in children and infants, the type B organism was the No. 1 cause of bacterial meningitis prior to 1988 when the Haemophilus Influenzae B vaccine (HIB) was developed.
Misconceptions
Originally, scientists classified H. flu as a virus; years later, the theory was disproved and it was recognized as a bacteria. In spite of the misleading medical terminology, the name Haemophilus Influenzae remains because it became a permanently fixed reference to a commonly recognized disease.
Those at Risk
Currently children in the United States receive the HIB vaccine routinely as a part of their immunization program. The CDC reports there has been a 99 percent declination in cases subsequent to discovery of the vaccine and its inclusion to the childhood vaccine program. Those at risk are children who have not been vaccinated, those with compromised immune systems and those living in countries where common childhood vaccination programs are not available.
Transmission
Transmission of Haemophilus B occurs from person to person by coughing, sneezing and propelling the bacteria into the air where it is inhaled by others. The bacteria is also picked up and spread with the hands after touching contaminated surfaces in the infected person's environment.
Complications
Complications of H. flu include bacteremia, the presence of bacteria in the blood; septicemia, a systemic infectious process; epiglottitis, the swelling of the flap of tissue covering the epiglottis; and the most common complication of Haemophilus influenzae, bacterial meningitis. All complications are serious, but the last two conditions are potentially deadly if not treated urgently. The Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) online website defines meningitis as inflammation of the meninges, the lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Fluids in the brain become infected and swollen, causing a reduction in blood flow and an increase in pressure. Epiglottitis is the inflammation of the flap of tissue that closes when swallowing to prevent food being taken into the trachea. When inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis occur, the trachea may become blocked, leading to severe respiratory symptoms and a medical emergency.
Prevention/Solution
Fortunately, gaining access to the HIB vaccine in the United States has reduced the risk of becoming infected with H flu by 99 percent, thus preventing development of the disease and the potentially deadly complications that once claimed the lives of infants and young children.
