croup
by catherine alderstein·
exclusion period
no specific exclusion period — exclude while the child is unwell and unable to participate in normal activities
symptoms
- •barking cough (sounds like a seal)
- •hoarse voice
- •noisy breathing (stridor), especially when breathing in
- •symptoms often worse at night
- •mild fever
when can your child return to childcare?
the child can return when they are well enough to participate in normal activities and their symptoms have significantly improved.
do siblings or contacts need to stay home?
contacts are not excluded
treatment notes for parents
croup is usually mild and resolves in a few days. steam from a warm shower may help. keep the child calm — crying can worsen breathing difficulty. see a GP if breathing is laboured. call 000 if the child has severe difficulty breathing, drooling, or blue lips.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service.