Epidemic Bronchiolitis Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will last until April.

• Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization worldwide in less than a year.

• Prevention with monoclonal treatments are key to preventing infection in infants more vulnerable.


RSV, the leading cause of bronchiolitis, this year will remain in the air until April. Says Dr. Octavio Ramilo, Medical Director and Clinical Research at Childrens Medical Center of Texas, Dallas, "the dispersal of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes bronchiolitis is associated with climatic variations. It has been found that the combination of low temperatures and humidity makes the virus becomes more resistant. " This is what is happening this year in Spain. The winter cold and rain we are experiencing is contributing to the spread of RSV is more aggressive.

Bronchiolitis is considered the leading cause of hospitalization in the world in less than a year and the leading cause of severe respiratory infections in early life. In Spain, recent research suggests that 89.3% of RSV hospitalizations occurred between October and April. According to these studies, 27% of revenues from bronchiolitis occur during the months of March and April, with the rate of revenue in the past month, nearly 10%.

This high rate of hospitalization creates a high-cost centers, is why we in the words of Dr. Octavio Ramilo, Medical Director and Clinical Research at Childrens Medical Center of Texas, Dallas, "prevention is essential. Has been demonstrated that treatment with prophylactic work well in children under two years and those who are born preterm. In recent years, thanks to preventive treatment have been greatly reduced hospitalizations. "

At the same time, Ramilo explained that due to the variability of the virus and its relationship to climate, "the VRS could be extended even in the months of May and June, so it is necessary to continue preventative treatment and not leave the March. Especially vulnerable are those children who receive early discharge in March or April and have not received preventive treatment with prophylaxis. "

The causes of these children, and more particularly preterm infants are more vulnerable to RSV bronchiolitis, according to Dr. Ramilo, are due to "have a much weakened autoimmune system and respiratory system is more sensitive to any type of respiratory infection. "

At the same time, Ramilo argues that education is a key factor: "we must raise awareness among parents of hygiene and prevention measures that have to be with these children. It is imperative to wash the hands, to prevent children or people with influenza cough or closer to the baby and especially extremely premature babies with protection. Avoid loaded and closed environments. These measures are necessary to prevent the babies were infected with RSV. "


Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common cause of infant morbidity caused by high demand in primary care and emergency services, and a high number of hospital admissions in young children and nosocomial infections.

RSV is the causative agent of this disease, characterized by an acute obstruction of the small airways. Their spread is very common in homes, day care and in hospital wards. In the last decade, is describing an increased incidence of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis, which is a significant increase in costs.

In Spain, bronchiolitis is a problem of public health care and economic impact is both short and long term.