The bronchiolitis epidemic begins in France, starting in the Paris region.

The annual bronchiolitis epidemic, which particularly affects babies, has now begun in France, with the Paris region being the first to be affected, the public health agency announced on October 29.

During the week ending October 26, " Syndromic indicators related to bronchiolitis were increasing in the city and in the hospital, to levels close to the previous season at the same time." , summarizes Public Health France (SPF) in a weekly review of the main respiratory diseases of autumn-winter.

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The Île-de-France region has now entered the epidemic phase for this generally mild illness, which can cause complications in infants and require hospitalization. As every year, other metropolitan regions are expected to be affected by the epidemic sooner or later, starting with Normandy, which remains in the "pre-epidemic" phase for the third consecutive week.

“ Other viruses that can cause bronchiolitis are circulating.

Every year, at the time of autumn and winter, bronchiolitis strikes many babies in France, most often following an infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which can also threaten elderly people.

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From now on, an RSV immunization campaign is launched every year. Two strategies are possible using two distinct treatments: vaccination of pregnant women with Pfizer's Abrysvo, or immunization of infants with the Beyfortus from Sanofi and AstraZeneca.

The fact remains that Other viruses that can cause bronchiolitis are circulating in France, notably rhinoviruses“,” warns Public Health France. The agency also provides an update on Covid and influenza, for which a combined vaccination campaign began in mid-October targeting those most at risk, primarily those over 65, but also pregnant women and many people with chronic illnesses. Regarding Covid, indicators have decreased in general practice and remained stable in hospitals. As for influenza, which was particularly severe last season, only a few cases sporadic are recorded.

Public Health France launched a communication campaign last week – TV and radio spots, posters, etc. – to encourage people to respect the three main protective measures against all these diseases. These include wearing a mask… from the first symptoms" , to wash your hands often and properly, and to ventilate rooms regularly.