What can be done to prevent the disease?

It can be difficult to prevent bronchiolitis. It may help to keep a young child away from others who have a cold or flu. If someone in the household is coughing or sneezing, they should wash their hands frequently. Also, any person who handles children should wash their hands often.

Persons should cough, sneeze, or blow their noses into tissues and throw the tissues in the garbage. They should not cough or sneeze near others.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Some children who have had an episode of bronchiolitis may be prone to further episodes of wheezing. This is especially true for children who needed to be hospitalized for a bout with bronchiolitis. These children may also develop allergy symptoms.

What are the risks to others?

Viral and bacterial infections are contagious.