Croup is terrible to experience for all those involved. It causes a horrible-sounding cough and can cause your little one to feel quite under the weather, so how can you keep your child from getting this nasty yet treatable respiratory infection?

Continue reading for some helpful answers from our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team!

What Should I Know About Croup?

Croup is a viral upper respiratory infection that primarily affects children ages 3 months to 5 years old. It’s distinguished by a “barking” cough that sounds like a seal or a dog bark.

The swelling surrounding the larynx, trachea and bronchial tubes causes the cough and other signs and symptoms of croup, which we’ve listed below.

Common Symptoms of Croup

• A barking cough
• High-pitched or noisy breathing (stridor)
• Hoarseness or loss of voice
• Low-grade fever
• Runny or stuffy nose

How Can My Child Avoid Getting Croup?

Since it’s usually caused by a virus, croup is contagious and can be spread by contact or through the air. Children with croup are normally contagious for at least three days, or until the fever is gone if they have a fever.

Croup, like most infections, can typically be avoided by practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding sick people. Although the prevention strategies listed below may not guarantee 100% protection, they are effective.

Ways to Prevent Croup

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after caring for your child.
• Encourage your child to wash his or her hands frequently and for a least 20 seconds each time.
• Encourage your child to cover his or her mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Keep your child home from school or daycare when he or she is ill or if outbreaks occur.
• Throw used tissues away.

Do your child’s symptoms signal that he or she may be dealing with croup? If so, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center to get the necessary treatment.