Haemophilus B And Hepatitis B Vaccine: What Is Haemophilus B And Hepatitis B Vaccine
Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
What is haemophilus b and hepatitis B vaccine?
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It usually strikes children younger than 5 years old. Hib is spread from person to person. Children and adults may have the bacteria and not know it. If the germs stay in a child's nose and throat, the child probably will not get sick. But sometimes the germs spread into the lungs or the bloodstream, and then Hib can cause serious problems. Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine exposes the individual to a small amount of the bacteria (or to a protein from the bacteria) and causes the body to develop immunity to the disease.
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a serious disease caused by a virus. HBV is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. A person can get infected in several ways, such as: by having unprotected sex with an infected person; by sharing needles when injecting illegal drugs; by being stuck with a used needle on the job; and during birth when the virus passes from an infected mother to her baby. HBV vaccine exposes the individual to a small amount of the virus (or to a protein from the virus) and causes the body to develop immunity to the disease.
Hepatitis B infection can cause short-term (acute) illness that leads to loss of appetite; diarrhea and vomiting; tiredness; jaundice (yellow skin or eyes); or pain in the muscles, joints, and stomach. It can also cause long-term (chronic) illness that can lead to liver damage (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and death. About 1.25 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis B infection.
Haemophilus b and hepatitis B vaccine is indicated for vaccination against disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b and against infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in infants 6 weeks to 15 months of age born of HbsAg negative mothers.
Print This
| Last updated: | June 28, 2004 |
|---|
© 2007, Cerner Multum, INC. Version: 5.02.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, Use of Content Agreement and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
