Meningitis - H. influenzae

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Haemophilus influenza organism

Influenza

H. influenzae meningitis; H. flu meningitis

Treatment with antibiotics should be started as soon as possible. Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics.

If the antibiotic is not working and the health care provider suspects antibiotic resistance, chloramphenicol with ampicillin may be used. Sometimes corticosteroids may be used, especially in children.

Unvaccinated people who are in close contact with someone who has H. influenzae meningitis should be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Such people include:

• Household members
• Rommates in dormitories
• Those who come into close contact with an infected person

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Early treatment improves the outcome. However, 3 - 5% of patients do not survive. Young children and adults over 50 have the highest risk of death.

• Brain damage
• Buildup of fluid between the skull and brain (subdural effusion)
• Hearing loss
• Hydrocephalus
• Seizures

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to an emergency room if you suspect meningitis in a young child who has the following symptoms:

• Feeding problems
• High-pitched cry
• Irritability
• Persistent, unexplained fever

Call the local emergency number if you develop any of the serious symptoms listed above. Meningitis can quickly become a life-threatening illness.

Review Date: 09/15/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).