Prevention

To prevent croup, take the same steps you use to prevent colds and flu.

• Frequent hand-washing is the most important.
• Keep your child away from anyone who's sick.
• Encourage your child to cough or sneeze into his or her elbow.

To stave off more-serious infections, keep your child's vaccinations current. The diphtheria and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccines offer protection from some of the rarest — but most dangerous — upper airway infections. There isn't a vaccine yet that protects against parainfluenza viruses.