Prevention for Croup

To help prevent viral infections that can cause croup:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after you blow your nose. Also, wash your hands after you care for someone who has a cough, cold or sore throat.

• If someone in your household has a respiratory infection, keep his or her eating utensils and drinking glasses separate from those of other family members. Wash these glasses and utensils thoroughly in hot, soapy water.

• If a toddler with a respiratory infection has been chewing or sucking on toys, wash these toys with soap and water and then rinse them well.

• Promptly dispose of dirty tissues from runny noses and sneezes.

• Ask anyone with a cough or cold to avoid kissing or playing with your child.

Researchers are developing several potential vaccines against parainfluenza virus. In the future, one of these vaccines may be used to immunize children against croup.