A previous season marked by an intense and prolonged bronchiolitis epidemic in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, like much of France, was marked by an epidemic of exceptionally high and early intensity compared to previous years that took place between October 10, 2022 and January 8, 2023.
During the 13 weeks of the epidemic, 10,310 children under 2 years of age were treated in emergency shelter services in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes for bronchiolitis and 3,572 of them were hospitalized after their visit to the emergency room.
During peak hours (November 21 to 27, 2022), 65% of hospitalizations in pediatric departments were related to this respiratory virus. These figures illustrate the strong tensions generated by this epidemic in the health system.
Highly contagious, this virus is characterized by an episode of respiratory discomfort, the signs of which are cough and rapid, wheezing breathing. (What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?) Although bronchiolitis is common and, in most cases, benign, in certain cases it can cause serious complications and lead to hospitalization.
Therefore, the prevention of bronchiolitis is an important public health problem.
Preventive treatment to protect newborns
To stop the circulation of the virus, the Ministry of Health and Prevention launches a campaign Immunization campaign aimed at preventing bronchiolitis in all newborns and those born after February 6, 2023.
This campaign is based on a new preventive treatment, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus®), which is not a vaccine but a preventive treatment that will protect children throughout this winter’s epidemic.
Administered in a single injection, this treatment must be prescribed by your doctor and will be delivered to you free of charge in pharmacy. The goal of this treatment is to reduce the number of hospitalized children, most of whom are usually less than six months old.
Offered to all premature babies and babies born after February 6, 2023.
You can receive treatment. in maternity wards, doctors’ offices, services of maternal and child protection (PMI) as well as in hospitals that receive hospitalized babies and can be administered by doctors, nurses or midwives.
A preventive treatment that does not replace the application of barrier gestures
To effectively stop the circulation of the virus, A combined action is necessary, combining preventive treatment and barrier gestures..
Many people are carriers of the virus and spread it without knowing it, either through respiratory tract secretions (coughing, sneezing, spitting) or through direct or indirect contact (kisses, objects stained with hands or saliva).
Therefore, in the presence of newborns and infants, care should be taken to:
- Wash your hands before and after every change, feeding, meal, or hug;
- Ventilate the entire house regularly;
- Wear a mask in case of cold, cough or fever;
- Avoid taking your child to confined public places;
- Do not share unwashed bottles, pacifiers, or utensils;
- Do not smoke around babies and children.
