The back to school is synonymous with respiratory viruses. In the northern hemisphere, it coincides with the arrival of cold weather, so the viruses that cause colds, flu, COVID-19 and bronchiolitis become another student of schools and nurseries. Generally these are diseases that occur in children without too many complications. But there is one that does worry pediatricians, especially when it occurs in newborns or very small babies: bronchiolitis.
It should be noted that this is not a disease caused by a single virus, as COVID-19 could be. Rather, it is a set of symptomscaused by multiple viruses, which usually occur only in children under 2 years old. Therefore, it is known as bronchiolitis. swelling and mucus buildup in the smallest airways of the lungs, called bronchioles.
Since an age group is given very vulnerable, Serious complications can occur. Therefore, it is vital to prevent it. There is no vaccine as such, but there are certain treatment options. prophylaxis and above all, hygiene measures that can make a difference.
Bronchiolitis viruses
Many viruses can cause bronchiolitis, from influenzawhich normally causes the flu, up to adenovirus, responsible for many colds. But, above all, the virus that most commonly causes this disease in young children is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
That does not mean that it is a virus that does not affect children over 2 years old or adults. Anyone You can catch this virus, but only the youngest children develop bronchiolitis.
In fact, it is generally adults who infect children, especially babies. Therefore, the first measure to prevent this disease is not to approach a baby or small child with the slightest symptom of a cold. We can pass these diseases like a simple coldbut for them, sometimes, it is much more serious.
It is also advisable that no one outside a baby’s inner circle I kissed him. They are very adorable, with those rosy cheeks, but it will be better to show them our affection in another way until their respiratory system is more mature and the immune system has been prepared to strongly combat respiratory viruses.
Hygiene is essential
We should not only avoid kisses. It is also important, for example, hand hygiene. With the COVID-19 pandemic we saw how important this simple act is to prevent respiratory virus infections. Therefore, if we are going to be in contact with a baby or very young child, whether we are going to touch them directly or handle their food or toys, it is very important that we wash our hands. Even if we don’t feel sick. It is an essential measure to prevent bronchiolitis.
Do not smoke
Some studies relate tobacco consumption of people who live with children with an increased probability of them suffering from bronchiolitis.
Therefore, if we have a baby at home, under no circumstances should we smoke. Maybe it’s time to quit tobacco once and for all.
Drugs to prevent bronchiolitis
There is no vaccine to prevent bronchiolitis itself. Among other reasons, because It is not caused by a single virus.
Yes, there are vaccines against viruses like flu, which can be effective, but not for all ages. In Spain, for example, can only be given to children over 6 monthssince before the immune system is still too immature to tolerate them.
The same thing happens with respiratory syncytial virus. Attempts have been made for decades to develop an effective vaccine for children. Nevertheless, both for immunological reasons and for the anatomy of their lungs, it is difficult to find one that really works for you. There are some vaccines against this virus, such as Arxevy, but they are only indicated for adults. For this reason, some health authorities, such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from the United States, have chosen to administer it to pregnant women. Thus, babies would be protected from birth.
Antibody-based prophylaxis
Another option, beyond vaccines, is prophylaxis based on monoclonal antibodies.
These are identical antibodies, which are generated from a single B lymphocyte. That is, from an immune cell from bone marrow stem cells. They can be generated naturally in our body, but in pharmacology, monoclonal antibodies synthesized in the laboratory are used to target specific proteins.
In the case of RSV, antibodies are used that target a virus specific protein, preventing it from entering the lungs and causing infection. Therefore, it is not the same as a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the patient’s immune system so that it generates its own antibodies. With monoclonal antibodies, however, the antibodies are provided directly.
In Spain, a campaign has been started to administer to children a drug based on monoclonal antibodies, known as nirsevimab. According to the Spanish Society of Neonatologyits administration is recommended to all healthy infants who, at the beginning of the bronchiolitis season, have less than 6 months. This age extends to 12 months for premature babies born with less than 35 weeks of gestation.
Furthermore, it is recommended for children under 2 years who have other risk factors.
Its administration will not be mandatory, but it will be informed and recommended to all parents of babies who are within those ages. And, of course, it will be covered by social security.
It is important to note that this will help prevent bronchiolitis to some extent, but safety measures must still be maintained. Especially since there are many other viruses that can cause the disease. With babies, more than ever, it will be a lot Prevention is better than cure.