Bronchiolitis: how to protect your baby

October comes round again, and with it that familiar refrain every parent of a baby knows by heart: RSV. Respiratory syncytial virus, to give it its full name. In adults, it usually passes as a harmless cold — a few sneezes and it's forgotten. In a newborn, it's a different story: it clogs the bronchioles, the tiny tubes that carry air to the lungs, and breathing becomes hard work.

The good news is that prevention is still simple, and the options have grown in recent seasons. Let's run through what's available.

A virus that circulates widely

RSV spreads through respiratory droplets, but also via hands and objects. That's what makes it so sneaky. An adult with a cold handing you the baby, an older brother coughing at the table, a soft toy left on the coffee table after being on the floor… that's all it takes. That's why it circulates so heavily in nurseries and at home, especially between October and March.

Woman cleaning a coffee table near a soft toy and a small cup, in soft light

That's why hands are the first route we can act on. Washing them with soap before you pick up your baby, and making sure brothers and sisters do the same, isn't fussiness: it's the step that matters most. A little reminder by the sink, and the whole household gets into the habit without thinking.

The signs to know

It can all start like an ordinary cold. Then, over a few days, come a cough, wheezing when breathing out, faster breathing, and sometimes difficulty feeding. Your baby drinks less, sleeps badly, seems uncomfortable. Nothing alarming in itself — but these signs deserve your attention.

Attentive young mother watching her baby in her arms in a bright room

In practice, some signs mean you should seek advice without delay: age under 3 months, prematurity, heart or lung disease, but also vomiting, diarrhoea, a high temperature, refusing to drink or pauses in breathing. This isn't a diagnosis to make yourself: contact a healthcare professional, who will decide what to do next. You don't take chances with a baby's breathing, and no one will blame you for asking for advice.

What we know, and what we don't yet know

Current data suggest that most cases of bronchiolitis improve within one to two weeks. There is no treatment that eliminates the virus: we relieve symptoms, monitor, and keep the baby hydrated. Respiratory physiotherapy is no longer routine, because there is no demonstrated benefit in usual cases — the doctor decides case by case and arranges follow-up.

Prevention measures

In daily life, a few habits really make a difference. Washing hands with soap before every contact with the baby, and for the whole family, comes first. During outbreaks, avoid kisses on the face and hands — yes, even from Grandma, and she'll understand.

Another non-negotiable point: never smoke in the house or in the car. Smoke irritates a baby's airways, and it's one of the few factors we can fully control. Remember to air each room for ten minutes a day, even in winter — stuffy air is the virus's ally. With a baby under 3 months, limit crowded places: packed public transport, shopping centres and restaurants. And when their nose is blocked, cleaning with saline solution is enough; there's no need to use a nasal aspirator routinely.

Woman washing her hands with soap under running water in a bright bathroom

What has changed recently

Since 2023, a monoclonal antibody has been offered to infants in some countries for the RSV season. In the UK, RSV vaccination is offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, and to older adults, as part of the seasonal programme. A monoclonal antibody may also be offered to some babies at higher risk, depending on local recommendations. These options should be discussed with your GP, midwife or health visitor — not on a forum, where opinions pour in with no clear source. Talk to a professional who knows your baby: they can tell you whether either protection is relevant for you.

Budget

In the UK, expect to pay around £2–£5 for a box of sterile single-dose saline vials, and £3–£6 for a 250 ml bottle. The refillable glass version limits packaging, as long as you follow hygiene rules; plastic single-dose vials have a higher waste impact. A nasal aspirator costs around £5–£15, and a humidifier around £30–£80 depending on the model and capacity. Prices vary with brand, pack size and where you buy: pharmacy, health and beauty retailer, supermarket or online.

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