Haemophilus influenzae disease

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Haemophilus influenzae?

Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The most common infections are in the nose and throat.

Sometimes the bacteria cause local (contained) infections leading to flu-like symptoms. These include:

• ear infections (otitis media)
  • symptoms include sore ear(s) and fever
• sinus infections (sinusitis)
  • symptoms include plugged nose and headaches
• lung infections (pneumonia)
  • symptoms include coughing up thick mucus and difficulty breathing

In rarer cases, the bacteria can invade other parts of the body. If they get into the blood they can infect almost any body part, including the brain, heart, bones and skin. This type of infection leads to an invasive disease and is very serious.

Symptoms of invasive infection typically include:

• sudden fever
• drowsiness
• fussiness
• intense headache
• vomiting
• stiff neck and back

What to do if you become ill

If you or your child develops the symptom of invasive Hi, see your health care provider immediately.