What are the symptoms of Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis?
The most prominent symptom of Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis in older children is a stiff neck. In infants, there may be a bulging fontanelle. These symptoms are usually preceded by other symptoms including fever, nausea, vomiting, headache and irritability. The illness may progress rapidly, and in most cases, it requires hospitalization. How soon do symptoms occur? Symptoms usually occur within 2 to 4 days after inhaling Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria. How can I tell if my child has Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis? Early Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis may indeed look similar to a “bad cold”. A parent should watch for changes that suggest the illness is becoming more severe than what the child has typically experienced in the past. A fever that can’t be controlled, abnormal and unusual changes in the child’s behavior, symptoms the child has never had before – all should prompt an immediate call to the child’s physician or a visit to a hospital emerg
