Bronchiolitis: How to protect your child this winter?

Viral infection widespread in babies

Bronchiolitis affects almost a third of children under the age of two every year and more in particular children under the age of six months. The virus causes cough, breathing difficulties, loss of appetite and sometimes whistles. In most cases, evolution is benign, but some children – in particular prematurers or those with chronic diseases – can develop serious forms that require hospitalization.

The circulation of the virus generally intensifies from mid -October to the end of winter, with a peak expected in December. This critical period is to predict that the 2025-2026 campaign has been deployed since the beginning of the school year.

The priorities of the 2025-2026 campaign

This year, the authorities are betting on a double axis: to strengthen prevention and improve parents’ information.

Prevention passes through the spread of good gestures: systematic washing before taking care of the child, regular ventilation of parts, wearing the mask for fans and a rigorous prohibition of tobacco exposure. The authorities also recall the importance of limiting the close contact between infants and sick people Or the places crowded during the epidemic.

From the point of view of information, a dedicated online portal offers clear responses to families: symptoms to monitor, drive to be kept at home, signs of alert that require a consultation or a call to 15. The goal is to reduce the unnecessary emergency steps while guaranteeing rapid care of serious cases.

A new protection tool for children

The campaign also highlights an innovation: The preventive injection of NirstvimabA monoclonal antibody that protects children from serious forms of bronchiolitis. Already deployed last year, this treatment is now integrated into the national system and has expanded widely, in particular for children born before or during the epidemic season.

This measure aims to reduce hospitalizations, which mobilize thousands of pediatric beds every winter. Parents can discover their doctor or motherhood to find out if their child is suitable.

Recognize the signs they have to warn

The campaign finally recalls the symptoms they require Increase in vigilance: quick breathing, respiratory breaks, bluish lips, refusal to eat or great effort. In these cases, it is essential to consult without delay or even contact the 15th.