The viruses that cause croup can be spread easily through coughing, sneezing, and respiratory secretions (mucus, droplets from coughing or sneezing). Children with croup should be considered contagious for three days after the illness begins or until the fever is gone.

How long should a child with croup stay home?

How long is it contagious? A person with croup is usually contagious for about three days after symptoms start or until their fever disappears. If your child has croup, it's best to keep them home from school or other environments with lots of children for at least three days.

Is croup contagious after fever breaks?

Most children with viral croup are most contagious during the first days of fever and illness. The infection spreads easily in a household. Older children, teens and adults in the family will often develop a sore throat or a cough, without necessarily developing the characteristic barky cough and stridor seen in croup.