Recurrent upper respiratory infections ( RURTIs) are common in school aged children. An adequate iron status might reduce their prevalence. The aim of the study is to assess the percentage and type of RURTIs in Egyptian school children, assessing the percentage of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the effect of iron supplementation on the recurrence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections .

This is a prospective interventional study in which 1000 Children (6-15 years) are recruited from two schools in urban Cairo; three months enrollment was done in early autumn ; students defined to have RURTIs were screened by Hemocue; if anemic (Hb < 11.5gm/dL),Complete blood picture and iron profile were done, they were enrolled into 2 groups: (A)children with IDA on oral iron fumerate therapy (6mg/kg/d) for 3 months, then maintained on oral iron (1mg/kg/d) for 12 months, and (B) Non anemic group; were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio into: group (B1)children Received maintenance iron therapy for 12 months and group (B2) received placebo. Recurrence and severity of URTIs using (CARIFS score) throughout the study are recorded

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both genders were eligible, and we did not seek to balance the number of boys and girls.
• Children completed the compulsory vaccination schedule of Egypt.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with coexisting chronic disease such as renal, hepatic failure , IDDM, endocrine diseases, bronchial asthma and chronic diarrhea .
• Patients with suspected immunodeficiency by presence of some of the warning symptoms or signs .