Sun, 03 May 2026 04:28:08 +0000

Shhh—Croup Is Far More Contagious Than You’ve Been Led to Believe You’ve probably been told to keep the quiet when a child is struggling with a barking cough and swelling at the throat—"shhh, it’s just croup." But what if croup is not as mild or limited in transmission as commonly thought? New insights reveal that croup, a viral upper respiratory infection, is more contagious than previously believed, and understanding its spread can help parents and caregivers take better precautions—even during what seems like a simple nighttime cough. ## What Is Croup, Really? Croup, or laryngotracheobronchitis, is a childhood condition best known for its distinctive barking cough and stridor—a high-pitched wheezing sound caused by swelling in the airway. Most cases stem from parainfluenza viruses but can involve other respiratory pathogens. While common in children ages 3 to 5, croup can sometimes surprise—even adults—with sudden onsets of harsh breathing sounds that send families scrambling for comfort.