Preventing bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection that makes the small airways in a baby's lungs swollen and crowded with mucus. It often begins like a cold, then breathing may become faster or noisier. Viruses spread through coughs, sneezes, hands and surfaces, so prevention focuses on reducing those routes. Most cases improve with supportive care, but very young babies and children with underlying health problems can become unwell quickly.

Wash your hands before touching the baby, preparing feeds or handling a dummy, and ask visitors to do the same. Keep cups, bottles, dummies and towels separate, and clean items that are shared. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold, cough or fever; postpone visits when someone is ill. Keep the baby's environment smoke-free, including cars and balconies. Continue usual feeds and watch hydration during respiratory illness. A child health consultation can help if your baby is vulnerable or you need an individual prevention plan.

Seek urgent medical care if a baby is struggling to breathe, has pauses in breathing, turns blue or grey around the lips, is unusually floppy, or cannot feed because of breathlessness. Contact a clinician promptly if breathing is getting harder, wet nappies are much less frequent, or the baby is unusually sleepy. Cough, fever and wheezing can occur with bronchiolitis, but they can also have other causes; the pattern and the child's age matter.

Ask whether your baby's age or medical history increases the risk of severe bronchiolitis, which signs should prompt same-day assessment, and how to support feeds and fluids if breathing symptoms start.