The Haemophilus influenzae type B, or Haemophilus influenzae type b\, called Hib, bacteria.',CAPTION,'Hib Vaccine');" onmouseout="return nd();">Hib vaccine helps to prevent a common infection leading to epiglottitis in children. Since the Hib vaccine was developed, there has been a decline in epiglottitis cases for those vaccinated. Preventing other causes is often not possible.
An infection that goes away generally has no long-term effects. Steam or a chemical injury can leave scars. There can be chronic hoarseness or airway obstruction.
Viral and bacterial infections are contagious. Other causes of epiglottitis do not pose a risk to others.