Croup is a common infection that affects young children, but there has recently been a new development among this illness: Recent research has found that some kids who test positive for COVID-19 also have croup symptoms.

Continue reading to learn more about croup, COVID-19 and the omicron variant, from our team at AFC Urgent Care Easley!

What Is Croup?

Croup is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It affects children ages 3 months to 5 years old and causes enlargement of the airways and vocal cords, resulting in breathing difficulties and a harsh cough that sounds like a high-pitched seal or dog bark.

Croup is contagious because it is caused by a virus. It can spread for three days following a diagnosis or until a fever passes, if one is a symptom. Below you’ll find a list of symptoms to be on the lookout for.

Common Croup Symptoms

• A runny, stuffy nose
• A cough that turns into a “seal’s bark”
• Laryngitis
• Fever
• A whistling sound when breathing, which is often referred to as “stridor”

What Is the Relationship Between Croup and COVID-19?

According to recent studies, omicron appears to settle higher up in a child’s respiratory system, causing swelling and inflammation, which then causes croup.

Even though croup is curable and relatively harmless, it is nonetheless a terrible experience for both the child and the parent. Thankfully, though, croup can usually be effectively treated at home. If your child develops croup this winter, we’ve listed some things you can do at home to help them feel better.

Ways to Treat Croup at Home

• Hold your child in a comfortable upright position. Sitting upright may make breathing easier.
• Make sure your child is staying hydrated. Water can work to flush out all types of infections, including croup.
• Encourage rest. Sleep can help your child fight the infection.
• Try a fever reducer. If your child has a fever, OTC medications like acetaminophen can help.
• Skip the cold medications. OTC cold medicines aren’t recommended for children of any age, and they can be harmful in children less than 2 years of age. Plus, they won’t help croup.

If you have further questions about croup, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC team today!