Every autumn, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) returns to France and fills paediatric surgeries. The bronchiolitis it causes affects the large majority of infants before the age of two. Since 2023, health authorities have added a prevention tool to the existing measures.
RSV, a virus that circulates every winter
Sante publique France tracks RSV circulation region by region and publishes regular bulletins during the epidemic season. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and on the hands.
In adults and older children, it causes a simple cold. In infants, whose airways are narrow, it can cause breathing difficulty that sometimes warrants hospital admission.
A campaign running since September 2023
A passive immunisation campaign has been organised by the public authorities since September 2023 in mainland France. It covers infants born on or after 6 February 2023.
What the HAS recommends
The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS), France's national health authority, assessed nirsevimab, marketed as Beyfortus. It is a monoclonal antibody, not a vaccine in the classic sense of the term.
Who is concerned
The HAS recommends it for newborns and infants during their first RSV season. It extends the recommendation to children up to 24 months who remain vulnerable to a severe form during their second season.
What the efficacy data shows
In the phase III MELODY trial, the infection rate was 1.2% compared with 5.0% on placebo. That represents a relative risk reduction of 74.5%.
French observational data puts the relative reduction in RSV-related hospitalisation between 73% and 83%. The HAS nonetheless classified the therapeutic benefit as ASMR IV, a minor improvement, for infants with no risk factor.
Everyday habits remain the first line
The HAS stresses a point often overlooked in conversations between parents. Non-medicinal preventive measures come before any treatment, and they cost nothing.
At home
Washing hands before every contact with the baby remains the most effective measure. Avoiding enclosed, crowded places during epidemic peaks also limits exposure.
Airing the bedroom every day and not smoking indoors complete these habits. They align with the ones we detail in our article on indoor air pollution and infant health.
Sharing dummies, cutlery and glasses between children helps the virus spread. One single-use tissue per runny nose prevents a good share of household transmission.
When to seek advice
Breathing difficulty, refusing to drink, or a clear change in behaviour warrant prompt medical advice. Following the child health schedule remains the best reference point, as we explain in our article on baby vaccination in France.
Respiratory prevention and safe sleep
RSV season coincides with the return of central heating and closed bedrooms. Safe sleep recommendations, which we have set out based on the HAS guidance, keep all their importance during this period.
Staying informed about baby product recalls is part of the same general vigilance. For any question about our products, our FAQ page answers the most frequent queries.
Sources
Haute Autorite de Sante, opinion on BEYFORTUS (nirsevimab), respiratory syncytial virus in newborns and infants. Sante publique France, bronchiolitis surveillance and regional epidemiological bulletins.
