Recurrent Infections and Immunodeficiencies in Children

"Recurrent infections in a child" usually refers to frequent infections of the respiratory tract. A child will normally have 6-10 respiratory tract infections in one year . An overwhelming majority of children suffering from recurrent infections have a normal immune system. The following features are suggestive of a normally functioning immune system: the onset of recurring infections coincides with the child starting to attend a child care facility the infections only affect the respiratory tract the infections are caused by viruses the recovery from individual infections is normal the child's growth and development are normal normal physical status (and chest x-ray, see below) no family history of increased predisposition to infections.