Meningitis - H. influenzae

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Haemophilus influenza organism

Influenza

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Meningitis - H. influenzae

Alternative Names:

H. influenzae meningitis; H. flu meningitis

Treatment:

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

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

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.

Calling your health care provider:

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: 7/12/2004
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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