Normal respiratory flora
Invasive disease sharply declined after Hib type b conjugate vaccine widely used
Most invasive disease is now caused by other capsular subtypes such as H. flu type a.
Colonizer of the upper respiratory tract
May cause invasive disease including meningitis, pneumonia/empyema, bacteremia, epiglottitis, MSK infection and others
Maintain precautions until 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy has been received.
Close contacts < 48 months old who are not immune may require chemoprophylaxis
Invasive disease is notifiable - call Public Health ASAP
