Bronchiolitis

Alternative names:

respiratory syncytial virus; RSV

Prevention:

Most cases are not readily preventable, because the viruses that cause this disorder are common in the environment. The best that can be done is to decrease the risk of exposure. During the worst months of fall and winter, infants, especially those less than 3 months, should be kept away from crowds or any large group of people, particularly if there are other children present. Family members with an upper respiratory infection should be careful around the young infant using good hand washing and wearing a mask if sneezing or coughing. (Masks cannot filter viruses but they can stop droplets from a sneeze from spraying out into the environment.)