Prevention of Epiglottitis

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Babies in the UK are vaccinated against Hib as part of the 5-in-1 jab, when they are aged 2, 3 and 4 months. The introduction of the Hib vaccine led to a fall in the number of cases in children under 5, by 98%.

The bacterial infection that usually causes epiglottitis is easily passed between close contacts, so if one family member has this condition, the others should be immediately screened by their GP or hospital doctor. Household members may be given an antibacterial drug such as rifampin, to prevent further infection, especially if there are other young children in the family.