Respiratory infections most frequent infections of childhood The pre-school child has on average 6-8 respiratory infections a year. Most are mild, self-limiting illness but some such as bronchiolitis or epiglottitis, are potentially life-threateningRespiratory infections ◼ most frequent infections of childhood. ◼ The pre-school child has on average 6-8 respiratory infections a year. ◼ Most are mild, self-limiting illness but some, such as bronchiolitis or epiglottitis, are potentially life-threatening