Diagnosis, Treatment, and Complications

Diagnosis

Haemophilus influenzae, including Hib, disease is usually diagnosed with one or more laboratory tests using a sample of body fluid, such as blood or spinal fluid.

Treatment

H. influenzae, including Hib, disease is treated with antibiotics (medicines that kill bacteria in the body), usually for 10 days. Most cases of invasive disease (when bacteria invade parts of the body that are normally free from germs) require care in a hospital.

When H. influenzae cause a non-invasive infection, like bronchitis or an ear infection, antibiotics may be given to prevent complications. Learn more about using antibiotics for respiratory infections.

Complications

Complications depend on the type of invasive infection caused the bacteria. For example, if H. influenzae cause meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), a person can suffer from brain damage or hearing loss. Bacteremia (blood infection) can result in loss of limb(s). Invasive H. influenzae infections can sometimes result in death. Even with antibiotic treatment, about 3 to 6 out of every 100 children with meningitis caused by Hib die from the disease.

When H. influenzae cause a non-invasive infection, like bronchitis or an ear infection, complications are rare and typically not severe. If appropriate, antibiotics can be given to prevent complications. Learn more about using antibiotics for respiratory infections.

Top of Page