How can I prevent epiglottitis?

How can I prevent epiglottitis?

While you can’t prevent epiglottitis altogether, there are things you can do to significantly reduce your risk:

• Make sure vaccinations are up to date. In children, the best prevention is to ensure all childhood immunizations are up to date. Children have undeveloped immune systems. This makes them more vulnerable to infections, including Hib bacteria.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid placing fingers in your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Protect yourself from infection. Take necessary precautions around people who are coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid injury to your throat. Drinking hot liquids or smoking can increase your risk of epiglottitis.