Hib vaccine
Hib Vaccine
Hib vaccine (pronounced "hib") is a vaccine used to prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection.
Pronunciation
Hib vaccine is pronounced as "hib".
Etymology
The term "Hib" is an abbreviation for Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterium that can cause severe infections, particularly in young children. The term "vaccine" comes from the Latin vaccinus, meaning "of or from the cow", as the first vaccines were derived from cowpox used to protect against smallpox.
Definition
The Hib vaccine is an immunization used to protect against diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b. These diseases include meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis, and sepsis. The vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the Hib bacterium.
Related Terms
- Vaccine: A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b: A type of bacteria that can cause severe infections, especially in young children.
- Meningitis: An inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
- Epiglottitis: A potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis — a small cartilage "lid" that covers your windpipe — swells, blocking the flow of air into your lungs.
- Sepsis: A potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection.
- Immune system: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hib vaccine
- Wikipedia's article - Hib vaccine
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