Haemophilus influenzae is a name given to any infection caused by H. influenzae bacteria. This disease becomes invasive when the bacterial spreads to other body parts that do not usually have germs like the bloodstream, the brain, or the spine. The invasive form is dangerous and known to cause death. Common invasive types of H. influenzae disease include Pneumonia, ear infections, infectious arthritis, cellulitis, epliglotittis, Meningitis, and Bloodstream infection.
The disease is spread via respiratory droplets that are created when infected people sneeze or cough. Healthy people contract the disease when they come into contact with these droplets. The disease can also be spread by people who are not sick but have the bacteria. Having prolonged contact with the sick is also known to spread the disease. The most vulnerable individuals are people aged 65 years and above, children under five years old, or people with pre-existing medical conditions like asplenia or sickle cell disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). This disease occurs worldwide but it is not common in the United States. The best preventive measures are administering preventive antibiotics, immunization, and health education. Doctors are required to report all cases they encounter to local or state health departments.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Haemophilus influenzae | Hib | Clinicial Features | CDC. Web.