Croup
Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Croup
Croup refers to several fairly common respiratory illnesses that affect young children, usually between the ages of 3 months and 3 years, with most illness occurring during the second year of life. Croup occurs year-round depending upon the virus causing the illness.
Cause
Many different viruses, most commonly parainfluenza virus type 1. Not all persons exposed to the same virus will come down with croup. Since many different viruses can cause the illness, a child may develop croup more than once.
Symptoms
Runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, and fever often occur one to several days before the cough starts. Croup is characterized by hoarseness and a deepening, non-productive cough. Rapid breathing, sitting forward in bed to cough, or making a noise when taking a breath may also occur. The child may be better during the day, but gets worse at night. The illness lasts 3 to 4 days, but the cough may last longer. Hospitalization may be required if the illness is severe.
Spread
By touching the secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person and/or touching hands, tissues, or other items soiled with these secretions and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Incubation
It may take up to 10 days after exposure for early symptoms to develop and several days later for the cough to occur.
Contagious Period
From shortly before symptoms begin and for as long as the acute symptoms last.
Exclusion
Child Care: Until fever is gone and the child is well enough to participate in routine activities.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has a high fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or persistent sore throat or cough.
Treatment
Croup is a viral illness; therefore, antibiotics will not be effective.
Do not give aspirin or salicylate-containing medications to any child or adolescent under 18 years of age.
Prevention/Control
- Cover nose and mouth with tissue when coughing and sneezing or cough/sneeze into your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Croup Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Croup
Croup is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It usually affects young children.
If you think your child has Croup:
- Tell your child care provider.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
Yes, until fever is gone and the child is healthy enough for routine activities.
- Child Care and School:
DO NOT give aspirin or salicylate-containing medicines to anyone under 18 years of age.
Symptoms
Your child may have a runny nose, sore throat, mild cough, and fever.
Several days later there may be a dry cough and hoarseness. Rapid breathing or making a noise when taking a breath may also occur. The cough may be worse at night. The illness lasts 3 to 4 days, but the cough may last longer.
If your child is infected, it may take up to 10 days for early symptoms to develop and a few more days for cough symptoms to start.
Spread
- By touching secretions from the nose or mouth.
- By touching contaminated hands, objects, or surfaces.
Contagious Period
From shortly before and while your child has symptoms.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If your child has a high fever or has a hard time swallowing or breathing. Also if your child has a sore throat or cough that won’t go away.
Antibiotics do not work for illnesses caused by a virus, including croup.
Prevention
- Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. Use a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth and before preparing food or eating. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect any objects or surfaces that come in contact with secretions from the nose or mouth. Use a product that kills bacteria and viruses.
- DO NOT expose your child to second-hand tobacco smoke. Smoke increases the risk for serious respiratory infections and middle ear infections.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.