As autumn arrives, many caregivers notice a familiar pattern: children with coughs, sneezes, and sniffles. This seasonal shift marks the beginning of respiratory virus season, particularly impacting younger children. A recent study has confirmed that the youngest students are the most likely to carry germs. Research published in the journal Pediatrics indicates that children in pre-kindergarten and elementary school have the highest rates of virus detection compared to older students and staff.

Dr. Jennifer Goldman, a pediatrician at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, who co-led the study, stated, "Young children can have up to 10 respiratory viruses a year as their immune systems are introduced to different infections for the first time."

Goldman and her team analyzed nasal swabs and symptom reports from over 800 students and staff in a Kansas City school district from November 2022 to May 2023. The findings revealed that more than 85% of participants had at least one respiratory virus detected during this period. Additionally, over 80% experienced an episode of acute respiratory illness, although not necessarily simultaneously.

The study highlighted that 92% of pre-kindergarten and elementary school children tested positive for a virus, compared to approximately 86% of middle school students, 77% of high school students, and 76% of staff. Among the youngest children, ages 3 to 5, the rates of actual illness were also the highest.

Most detected viruses were common cold types, including rhinovirus, found in 65% of participants, and seasonal coronaviruses, detected in about 30%. The virus responsible for COVID-19 was identified in around 15% of those studied.

Dr. Nicole Torres, a pediatrician at the University of Miami Health System, noted that the study aligns with the experiences of pediatricians who are also parents. "I can say this for my own children, who are now in their teens: They were sicker when they were younger," she said.

The study also supports earlier research indicating that young children significantly contribute to the spread of respiratory viruses at home. Dr. Carrie Byington, a co-author of a 2015 University of Utah study, recalled that children under 5 had viruses detected for half of the weeks in a year. "If you live in a household with multiple children, that proportion just goes higher, so it can appear as if someone is always sick," she added.

Experts acknowledge that preventing illness in children can be challenging. Staying current on vaccinations for COVID-19 and influenza is crucial. Frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and avoiding touching the face are also recommended. Cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and ensuring good ventilation are important preventive measures.

When children do become ill, supportive care, such as providing extra fluids and rest, is often the best approach. In more severe cases, healthcare providers may suggest medications to reduce fever or antiviral treatments. However, lingering symptoms like coughs can take weeks to resolve, and children may catch another cold in the meantime. Dr. Torres advised parents, "I do tell parents of younger children to expect them to be ill once every month, every month and a half. It’ll seem that way."