Croup is a respiratory infection most commonly observed in young children, characterized by a distinctive barking cough. It affects the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea), causing swelling that can narrow the airways. While alarming due to the cough and noisy breathing, croup is usually caused by a viral infection and is not serious in most cases.
Understanding Croup’s Contagion
Croup is caused by common viruses, with parainfluenza viruses being the most common culprits, accounting for approximately 75% of cases. Other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A and B, adenovirus, and even COVID-19, can also lead to croup. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Infection can also occur through direct contact with an infected individual or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Individuals with croup are contagious for a few days after symptoms appear, or until their fever subsides.
Contagion in Adults
Adults can contract the viruses that cause croup, though it is less common for them to develop the classic “barking cough” and severe breathing difficulties seen in children. This difference occurs because adult airways are larger and more developed, making them less susceptible to significant narrowing from inflammation. While adults may experience a milder illness, the underlying viral infection is still contagious.
When adults get croup, symptoms are less severe, resembling a common cold or laryngitis. Common adult symptoms include cold-like symptoms, hoarseness, a sore throat, and a mild cough. Some adults might still experience a barking cough and noisy breathing, but without the same level of respiratory distress as in children. Severe croup in adults can occur, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing respiratory conditions, potentially requiring aggressive treatment or hospitalization.
Minimizing Transmission
Practicing good hygiene reduces the risk of contracting or spreading the viruses that cause croup. Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is important, particularly after coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. If soap and water are unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used.
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow, rather than the hands, prevents the dispersal of respiratory droplets. Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and countertops also minimizes germ spread. Avoiding close contact with sick individuals during the peak contagious period reduces the likelihood of transmission.