2023-10-20 08:08:09
Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection of viral origin (in particular respiratory syncytial virus or RSV). This virus is potentially serious for young children (infant bronchiolitis in particular) but also has an impact on the elderly.
In France, there is a surveillance of cases of bronchiolitis in children. However, there is no monitoring for vulnerable adults (pregnant women, immunocompromised people, people aged 65 or over, chronic pathologies, etc.).
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection of the small bronchi caused by a widespread and very contagious respiratory virus.
This seasonal epidemic generally begins mid-October and ends at the end of winter with a peak during the month of December.
– 30% of children under 2 years old are affected by bronchiolitis each year.
Modes of transmission and symptoms
Adults and older children who carry RSV usually have no signs or have a simple cold.
So many people carry the virus and are contagious without knowing it.
The virus is easily transmitted from one person to another through saliva, coughing and sneezing.
The virus can stay on hands and objects (as on toys, pacifiers, “soft toys”).
The signs
Bronchiolitis begins with a simple cold (blocked or runny nose) and the child coughs a little. Then, the cough is more frequent, breathing can become wheezy.
The child may have difficulty breathing and have difficulty eating and sleeping. He may have a fever.
In the majority of cases, bronchiolitis resolves spontaneously following 5 to 10 days but the cough can persist for 2 to 4 weeks.
Hospitalization is very rarely indicated; parents are invited to consult their attending physician as a priority.
Prevention
You can reduce the transmission of the virus that causes bronchiolitis to your baby, you, but also parents, brothers and sisters, and everyone close to you, etc.
- By washing your hands for 30 seconds, with soap and water before and following changing and before feeding, cuddling, bottle feeding, meals, etc.
- or using a hydroalcoholic solution if it is not possible to wash your hands.
- By opening the windows of the room where he sleeps for at least 10 minutes a day to ventilate.
- By avoiding, when possible, taking your child to confined public places (public transport, shopping centers, etc.) where there is a risk of being in contact with people with colds.
- By limiting visits to the circle of very close and non-ill adults, no kissing or passing from arm to arm, avoid visits from young children to infants under 3 months old.
- By not sharing unwashed bottles, pacifiers or cutlery.
- By regularly washing toys and “soft toys”.
- Do not smoke near babies and children.
And what’s more, when you yourself have a cold:
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with your elbow or sleeve.
- Wear a mask when caring for your baby.
- Avoid kissing the baby on the face and hands.
If your child is sick and you wish to consult, inform your doctor before going to the waiting room (it is best to avoid contaminating other children).
Useful sites and documents
– The Améli site on bronchiolitis and barrier gestures
– The press release “Bronchiolitis epidemic in France: Reminder of prevention and treatment recommendations” (Ministry of Health and Prevention/Public Health France)
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- Your child and bronchiolitis
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