What can be done to prevent the infection?

Croup is difficult to prevent. The viruses that cause it are common, especially in the winter months. Most young children are not immune to these viruses, and effective vaccines to them are not currently available. One exception is the vaccine for the influenza virus, which accounts for only a small percentage of croup cases.

There are a few things that can be done to help prevent croup. Breast-feeding provides some protection to infants against these common infections. This is probably through the transmission of maternal antibodies in the breast milk. Also, avoiding tobacco smoke may lessen the risk of infants and young children getting respiratory infections.

Children in day care or preschool have greater exposure to these viruses. There is no solid evidence that multiple or large doses of vitamins prevent respiratory virus infections.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Croup usually is a short-term illness without long-term effects. For some children it can be a recurrent illness. Sometimes, a child with severe croup needs to have a breathing tube inserted, which is known as endotracheal intubation. Occasionally, the healthcare provider may need to cut a hole in the trachea below the voice box to insert a tube for breathing, called a tracheostomy. This may lead to scarring of the trachea or vocal cords, which in turn, could affect the quality of the voice or narrow the airway.

What are the risks to others?

The viruses that cause croup are spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. However, only some children will develop croup when they are exposed to these viruses.