RSV & Bronchiolitis in Babies — Ireland Parent Guide
How to recognise bronchiolitis in your baby, what to do at home, and when an Emergency Department visit is needed.
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common viral chest infection in babies and young children, most often caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It usually peaks in the autumn and winter months in Ireland.
Typical course
It starts like a cold for 1–3 days, then progresses to cough, wheeze, and faster breathing for 3–5 days, before slowly improving over 2 weeks. The cough may linger.
Red flags requiring Emergency Department
- Has blue lips or pale skin
- Has chest indrawing (skin sucking in around the ribs) or grunting
- Has very fast breathing (over 60 breaths per minute in babies under 1)
- Is unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
- Refuses feeds — taking less than half normal — or has had no wet nappy in 8+ hours
- Is under 3 months old with fever or breathing difficulty
What helps at home
- Smaller, more frequent feeds; encourage fluids
- Saline nasal drops before feeds and sleep
- Paracetamol for fever in babies over 2 months (weight-based)
- Sit baby slightly upright if comfortable
Antibiotics do not help bronchiolitis — it is viral. Honey is unsafe under 1 year. Cough syrups are not recommended in babies.
When to consult online
For babies who are feeding adequately, alert, with mild symptoms, an online consultation can confirm the picture and provide red-flag guidance. Any baby with breathing concern, poor feeding, or who is under 3 months should be seen in person.
FAQs
Will antibiotics help?
How long does it last?
Is the RSV vaccine for babies available in Ireland?
When can my baby go back to creche?
Do I need to consult an Online Doctor?
Speak to an Online Doctor
Same-day video and phone consultations across Ireland, €34.99.