Hemophilus influenzae infections in adults are becoming more common but are often unsuspected in this age group by the primary care physician. Two case reports illustrate pharyngitis, and pharyngitis associated with cellulitis of the neck, in which H influenzae was cultured from the blood. The throat and skin are only two of the many sites for H influenzae infections in adults. As no physical signs are pathognomonic for this organism, its possible role should influence the choice of antibiotics while awaiting culture results. Newer cephalosporins, especially cefamandole and cefoxitin, appear promising in the treatment of these infections.