Respiratory infections rise in children at school start due to exposure, not weakened immunity

The number of respiratory infections among children rises sharply in the weeks after kindergarten and school reopen. While some attribute the uptick to a weakened immune system, experts point to several environmental and behavioral factors that drive the spread.

The return to group settings, indoor classrooms, and altered daily routines create conditions that facilitate virus transmission. Children spend more time in close proximity, and indoor air circulation is often limited. These factors, combined with the rapid spread of respiratory viruses, explain the observed increase. Preventive measures—adequate sleep, consistent hand hygiene, regular ventilation, and up‑to‑date vaccinations—are identified as effective strategies to reduce infection rates.

Health authorities emphasize that maintaining these practices can help curb the seasonal surge in pediatric respiratory illnesses, ensuring that children remain healthier during the school year.