Prevention

Prevention of epiglottitis can be achieved with proper vaccination schedules against H influenza type b (Hib). Therefore it is important that your doctor make the appropriate recommendations for vaccination against Hib for children (see the children's immunization schedule). Adult vaccination is not routinely recommended, except for people with immune problems such as sickle cell anemia, splenectomy, cancers, or other diseases affecting the immune system.

When there is a member of a family with an unvaccinated child under age 4 years who is exposed to a person with H influenza epiglottitis, preventive medication (rifampin, Rifadin) should be given to all household contacts to make sure that both the person with the illness and the rest of the household have the bacteria completely eradicated from their bodies. This prevents formation of a "carrier state" in which a person has the bacteria in the body but is not actively sick. Carriers can still spread the infection to other family members in this state.