The virus that causes bronchiolitis is very common and easily spread, so it's impossible to completely prevent it.
But you can reduce the likelihood of your child developing or spreading the infection by:
Children who inhale smoke passively are at increased risk of developing bronchiolitis.
Do not smoke around your child and do not let other people smoke around them.
Read about giving up smoking.
Children with a high risk of developing severe bronchiolitis may be able to have monthly antibody injections during the winter (November to March).
Children considered to be at high risk include those:
The injections may help limit the severity of bronchiolitis if your child becomes infected. But they can be expensive and are not always available on the NHS.
Speak to your GP if you think your child has an increased risk of developing severe bronchiolitis.
Page last reviewed: Fri Aug 2021 Next review due: Wed Feb 2020