Meningitis - H. influenzae

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Haemophilus influenza organism

Influenza

H. influenzae meningitis; H. flu meningitis

Treatment of meningitis must be started as soon as the diagnosis is suspected. H. influenzae meningitis should be treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Steroid medication may also be used, mostly in children. Steroids are given to reduce hearing loss, which is a common complication of meningitis in children.

The probable outcome is good with early treatment. However, 3-5% of patients do not survive.

Roughly 20% of patients may experience some hearing loss. Some patients will have brain damage that may lead to seizures, mental retardation, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), learning disorders, abnormalities in speech and language development, and behavioral problems.

If you experience any of the symptoms of H. influenzae or if you notice these symptoms in your child, contact your health care provider or go to an emergency room. Meningitis can quickly become life-threatening.

Review Date: 09/06/2006
Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.