the right things to do to protect young children

Professor Romain Basmaci, pediatrician, gave several tips to parents to prevent bronchiolitis and limit its transmission.

Its circulation is “particularly intense this winter”. Bronchiolitis is particularly straining pediatric services this year. The viral disease, very contagious, can indeed give serious forms and even lead to hospitalizations in intensive care.

“In the majority of cases, this infection is mild and heals spontaneously in a week or ten days”, explains Professor Romain Basmaci, pediatrician at the Louis-Mourier hospital in Colombes (AP-HP) during the press conference of François Braun devoted to the three epidemics of this season.

Wash hands and avoid crowded places

A few simple actions can still prevent the risk of infection. Thus, it is particularly recommended to wash your hands before touching an infant. Similarly, you should avoid kissing babies if you have a cold.

The frequentation of overcrowded places (public transport, shops etc.) is also strongly discouraged: “we must avoid exposing the very young to these very risky places”. The environment in which the baby lives is also important: it is recommended to ventilate the rooms and avoid smoking in the presence of babies. Finally, objects that may come into contact with the infant must be cleaned, surfaces disinfected and avoid exchanging toys and pacifiers between children.

Wash the nose and split the meals of the sick baby

Zero risk does not exist, it is possible that your child is affected by bronchiolitis. Some symptoms make it possible to know if it is indeed affected by this viral infection.

“The first signs are above all a cold, then a little bit of fever and a cough. A dry then oily cough and finally discomfort, respiratory distress”, explains Professor Romain Basmaci, “the children will then start to breathing very quickly or much too slowly, making a lot of effort to breathe and therefore being tired”.

The pediatrician adds that young children affected also have “difficulties eating”.

If there is no specific treatment, it is however possible for an adult to help a child to breathe and eat. For this, it is advisable to wash the infant’s nose “as often as necessary with saline” and between each meal. Finally, it is also possible to split the young child’s diet by giving him smaller quantities, but more often during the day.