Normal respiratory flora.
Invasive disease sharply declined after Hib conjugate vaccine widely used, especially in children <5yrs old who were the main victims.
Most invasive disease is now caused by non-typable strains.
Colonizer of the upper respiratory tract.
May cause invasive disease including:
Meningitis
Pneumonia/empyema
Bacteremia
Epiglottitis
MSK infection
Others
Droplet precautions if presentation is epiglottitis.
Reportable to NWHU if invasive.
