Education Corner

Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib) is mainly transmitted through direct contact with nose or throat secretion of an infected person. It is a kind of bacteria that can cause serious invasive diseases, which usually affects young children. Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib) does not cause influenza or flu. In contrary, it commonly presents as meningitis (infection of membranes covering the brain), often accompanied by germ entering the bloodstream. It may also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs, epiglottis (upper part of the throat), etc. Meningitis can lead to symptoms such as fever and nausea; while epiglottitis can cause symptoms such as drooling and difficulty in breathing. Therefore, it is suggested that infants should receive a total of 4 Hib vaccinations respectively at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 18 months after birth, so as to induce development of antibodies in the body and provide protection against bacterial infection.