MAP: several areas in France reach epidemic level for bronchiolitis

The viral infection mostly affects infants but vulnerable adults can also catch it

Viral bronchiolitis causes a persistent cough that can last up to four weeks

castiglioni veronica / Shutterstock / Visactu / The Connexion

Richard Henshell Richard Henshell

Published Friday 20 October 2023 - 15:47 Modified Friday 20 October 2023 - 15:47

The winter bronchiolitis epidemic is spreading quickly again this year, and vulnerable adults should be aware that the viral infection does not only affect infants.

Bronchiolitis symptoms, which initially resembles a common cold, can lead to:

wheezing
dry cough
shortness of breath
fatigue

Infants under the age of 2 are most at risk, however, the virus can also affect older children and vulnerable adults, particularly smokers, people with impaired immune systems and those with heart conditions.

The virus causes an itchy cough that can persist for up to four weeks after the initial infection.

The best way to prevent the spread of bronchiolitis, which typically spreads during the winter months, is to respect barrier gestures and to air rooms regularly.