Is epiglottitis contagious? my doctor says it is not contagious but there are websites that say it is highly contagious. which is correct?

Rarely: Epiglottis is caused most often by upper airway bacteria including hemophilus and streptococci..These common bacteria are everywhere , but only a very small number of people who have these bacteria on their body actually get an active infection.

It is Contagious...: If a patient (child or adult) has epiglottitis caused by the h. Influenzae organism, and his/her household contacts have not yet received the hib vaccine (in common use today), it is recommended that all individuals in the household, including the patient, receive prophylactic Rifampin for 4 days to eradicate the organism.

Can be contagious: Swelling of the epiglottis is usually caused by bacteria Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae). It may also be due to other bacteria or viruses that can cause upper respiratory infections.It can be contagious.Epiglottitis is now very uncommon because H. influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine is routine childhood immunization.