It’s dirt. Bronchiolitis is one of the most contagious infectious diseases: it affects nearly one child (from 1 month to 2 years old) out of 3 each year, according to Public Health France.
4 regions already in the red
Every year, we have the right to our winter epidemic of bronchiolitis. And this year, it is a bit early. According to the agency’s weekly report Public health Francethe epidemic is already underway in 4 French regions (Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie), and all the other metropolitan regions (except Corsica) have moved into the “pre- epidemic”.
[#Bronchiolite] Weekly Bulletin October 12
➡️ Transition to epidemic phase in the Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie regions
???? To consult the bulletin https://t.co/ODvUoSV2ay pic.twitter.com/wsMUNnjJNk– SantépubliqueFrance (@SantePublicFr) October 12, 2022
Last year, bronchiolitis had been particularly virulent to the point of causing tension within the dedicated hospital services. Health authorities fear a similar epidemic this year.
Bronchiolitis is an infectious disease that causes real respiratory discomfort, linked to an infection with the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). What are the signs that can help you detect potential bronchiolitis in your baby? ” Fever, cough, runny nose, and therefore respiratory discomfort: the baby breathes quickly, his ribs can even widen “, according to Christèle Gras-Le Guen, president of the French Society of Pediatrics and head of the pediatric emergency department of the Nantes University Hospital. Wheezing should also get your attention.
The importance of barrier gestures
Credit Photo – Pexels
Bronchiolitis is often benign, as Santé Publique France explains in a dedicated brochure: “ in the majority of cases, bronchiolitis resolves spontaneously following 5 to 10 days, but the cough may persist for 2 to 4 weeks. But it can also lead, in some cases, to serious complications.
Vigilance therefore remains in order. To avoid contamination of your baby and protect it as much as possible, no secret: it’s up to the parents to be careful. Moreover, with the isolation measures and limitation of social contacts in 2021, “ we haven’t seen them (in 2021, editor’s note) ‘classic’ viral diseases remarks Christèle Gras-Le Guen. ” However, they are very contagious. This is a strong argument for understanding that when adults protect themselves, children are not sick. »
The president of the French Society of Pediatrics recalls that ” microbes spread through the air, with particles passing through the mouth and nose. It is therefore necessary to avoid handling the baby too much when you have a cold, to know how to put on a mask, and above all to wait until you are cured before kissing him once more. “The hands are also to be watched, since” viruses can also remain on the hands. In winter, remember to wash your hands conscientiously and regularly “recalls Christèle Gras-Le Guen.
The 2 gestures to treat and relieve your baby
• Clean the nose. ” Babies find it difficult to breathe through their mouth before 6 months, so as soon as the nose is blocked they are really bad. You must therefore learn to unclog the nose with saline solution, and do it regularly. »
• Administer paracetamol. ” When babies have viral infections, it’s uncomfortable for them. Giving them paracetamol will reduce their pain and discomfort. It’s really to improve comfort, rather than to treat their symptoms. »
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