Croup: 14 signs and symptoms
3. Contagion
The croup cough virus is contagious. This virus can spread via droplets in the air or via surfaces. You can spread the croup quickly if you breathe in droplets or touch surfaces that are infected.
The first few days after the onset of the illness, before the main symptoms (cough) appear, are the most contagious.
This is not a symptom, but it can help you diagnose the problem more quickly. If your child has croup, and you’ve noticed that they have spent time with people who have the cough now, this may give a clue as to the cause.
To limit the spread, you should wash your hands thoroughly and wipe surfaces down after using them. You can also limit the spread by placing your hand on the couch to prevent spittle from spreading. It is generally a good idea to avoid touching your mouth and face with your hands.