Bronchiolitis Outbreak in France: A Reminder of Prevention and Treatment Guidelines

cp_bronchiolite_09112022.pdf

Published on 9 November 2022

Press Contacts

Directorate General for Health
, Information and Communication Division
Tel: 01 40 56 84 00
Email: presse-dgs@sante.gouv.fr

Santé publique France
Tel: 01 41 79 67 48
Email: presse@santepubliquefrance.fr

According to surveillance data from Santé Publique France, all regions of mainland France, as well as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana, are currently experiencing an outbreak of bronchiolitis.

This situation has led the Minister of Health and Prevention to activate the ORSAN EPI-CLIM plan today, in order to organize the healthcare system’s response and streamline pediatric care during this epidemic.

Bronchiolitis is a viral respiratory infection (particularly caused by the RSV virus) characterized by an episode of respiratory distress: coughing, rapid breathing, and wheezing. It is a common and usually mild illness that affects infants and young children under two years of age, especially in the fall and winter.

It is estimated that by the age of two, more than 90% of children will have contracted an infection caused by this virus, with no consequences in the vast majority of cases.

Simple steps to protect children and limit the spread of the virus

Parents of infants and young children can adopt simple and effective preventive measures and behaviors to protect their children and limit the transmission of the virus that causes bronchiolitis:

Limit visits to close family members who are not sick; no kissing, no passing the baby from person to person, and no visits from young children under 3 months of age;
Wash your hands before and after contact with the baby (especially when changing diapers, breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or feeding);
Wash toys and comfort blankets regularly;
Wear a mask yourself if you have a cold, cough, or fever. Have visitors wear masks when around the infant;
If other siblings show even mild symptoms of a viral infection, keep them away from the baby during the acute phase of their illness;
Avoid family gatherings and crowded, enclosed spaces such as supermarkets, restaurants, or public transportation as much as possible, especially if the child is under three months old;
Ventilate the child’s living space daily for at least 10 minutes, particularly the room where they sleep, and avoid smoking inside the home, especially in the child’s room;
Avoid sending the child to group settings (daycare centers, nurseries, etc.) before 3 months of age; do not send the child to group childcare on days when they show symptoms of a viral infection.

What to Do If Your Child Is Sick

Most cases of bronchiolitis are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. There is no specific antiviral treatment. Similarly, since the infection is viral, antibiotics are ineffective.

Parents are advised to consult their primary care physician first, who will provide care instructions (feeding in small, frequent meals, rehydration, regular cleaning and clearing of the child’s nose, and ensuring proper ventilation in the home). Since symptoms may worsen during the first few days and then gradually improve, care should be taken to explain to parents how to monitor the progression of symptoms.

If necessary, SOS Médecins services and bronchiolitis networks available in certain departments can also be contacted. In case of doubt, calling 15 will help direct you to the most appropriate care.

Hospitalization may be necessary in the following situations:

The child is less than six weeks old;
The child is a former preterm infant under three months of age; The child already has a diagnosed respiratory or heart condition;
The child drinks less than half of their bottle at three consecutive feedings;
The child is vomiting constantly;
The child sleeps constantly, or conversely, cries unusually and cannot fall asleep.

It is recommended that you do not go directly to the emergency room and that you call 15 before going, so you can be directed to the most appropriate facility.