Epiglottitis is a potentially fatal disease if the swelling closes up air passageways to the lungs. Call 911 if epiglottitis is suspected. A person suspected of having epiglottitis should never be placed on their back, have anything inside their mouth, or have anybody other than a doctor inspect their throat. The virus that causes epiglottitis can be found in saliva and tears so don't touch your face after someone else has been touching them. The best way to prevent epiglottitis is with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for children at 12 to 15 months old and again before entering first grade. In addition to the MMR vaccine, children need to receive vaccines against strains of bacteria that cause epiglottitis. These include Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis. Children also need to receive vitamin A supplements daily during an outbreak of epiglottitis because it reduces the severity of the disease. Children with epiglottitis must see a doctor right away because time is critical in treating this condition. The doctor will perform a physical exam and order tests to determine whether the patient needs to be admitted to the hospital. If admission to the hospital is necessary, then emergency room doctors will work with the child's regular physician to ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.