Bronchiolitis: prevention campaign launched on September 1

The bronchiolitis prevention campaign began on September 1st. Several options are available to protect babies. Vaccination, treatments, symptoms... What you need to know.

Bronchiolitis affects a large proportion of infants each year in autumn and winter. To limit serious cases and hospitalizations, a prevention campaign began on September 1 in mainland France and overseas (except in French Guiana, where the campaign began on August 1, and Mayotte, where it is scheduled to begin on October 1).

Two options are available to protect newborns from bronchiolitis. The first is a preventative treatment administered to newborns. The treatment, called Beyfortus, is an antibody available in France since 2023. It is intended for "all children experiencing their first season of exposure to RSV" : those born from the start of the campaign, and those born between February and August 2025 as a catch-up. It can be administered directly at the maternity ward, or in the community.

Treatment for babies, vaccine for moms

The second solution against bronchiolitis is maternal vaccination. The vaccine, called Abrysvo, can be administered in the eighth month of pregnancy (between the 32nd and 36th week of amenorrhea). It is effective two weeks after the injection. The baby is thus protected from birth. It can be administered at the same time as the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.

Neither option is preferable; both are effective. " It is up to parents, informed by health professionals, to decide which strategy is best for them in order to protect them," the Ministry of Health states. Both the maternal vaccine and the Beyfortus preventive treatment require only one dose and are reimbursed by health insurance. In some cases, children up to 24 months at risk can benefit from the preventive treatment; and another monoclonal antibody (Synagis) is available for babies for whom Beyfortus is contraindicated.

Thousands of hospitalizations avoided in France in 2024-2025

Each year, bronchiolitis affects approximately 30 % of children under 2 years old, "or approximately 480,000 cases per year" according to Public Health France . It results in the hospitalization of 2 to 3% of children under 1 year old each year. The epidemic generally occurs between October and April, with a peak in December.

Bronchiolitis is a recurring public health problem. This prevention campaign, implemented for the third time in France, is helping to reduce the number of serious cases and hospitalizations. The government estimates that "the 2024-2025 campaign protected more than 450,000 infants from a severe form of bronchiolitis." According to the Île-de-France Regional Health Agency , " nearly 5,800 hospitalizations were avoided in France" in 2024-2025 thanks to Beyfortus.

Bronchiolitis, mainly caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), is a highly contagious viral illness. "The virus is transmitted through saliva, sneezing, coughing, and hands. The virus also remains on soiled objects (such as toys, pacifiers, and comforters). Thus, a cold in children and adults can cause bronchiolitis in infants," explains Public Health France.

Aside from vaccinations and preventive treatment, prevention also relies on hygiene practices. It is recommended to wash your hands (or use a hydroalcoholic solution) before touching an infant, to regularly clean the objects (toys, pacifiers, etc.) that the infant uses, to regularly ventilate the home, and finally to avoid contact with people who have a cold as much as possible.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is generally benign. It most often begins with a cold or nasopharyngitis with a mild fever. A dry cough may then appear, followed by " respiratory discomfort that manifests as rapid, wheezing breathing ," according to the French National Health Insurance . Affected infants may also have difficulty feeding and sleeping.

"In the majority of cases, bronchiolitis heals spontaneously after 5 to 10 days, but the cough can persist for 2 to 4 weeks," according to Public Health France. Newborns under two months old or very fragile babies must be particularly closely monitored and may be hospitalized.

What are the treatments for bronchiolitis?

Aside from preventive treatment with Beyfortus, there is no specific curative treatment for bronchiolitis. It is necessary to keep the affected infant well hydrated and to wash their nose regularly. If necessary, fever-reducing medications may be prescribed. Antibiotics are not indicated, except in cases of bacterial superinfection. Cough medications are also not indicated for young children.