A 24-year-old female asked:
is croup contagious to adults? my niece has it she lives upstairs and she hugged me hours before she got a fever. am i at risk
2 doctor answers
Dr. Maher Eldadah answered
Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care
It is unlikely: For an adult to get the croup. Croup is caused by a virus which inflames the larynx (voice box). In children the larynx is small and when inflamed it makes it hard for the child to breathe. It is unlikely it will cause similar difficulties in an adult as the larynx is much wider in adults. The worst case scenario and adult will develop laryngitis and lose his/her voice for decades days.
Answered on Aug 17, 2017
Dr. James Ferguson answered
45 years experience Pediatrics
Yes and no: Croup is triggered by several common respiratory viruses that can infect anyone at any age that is not immune.However, the response of each patient is different.Croup is a pattern that involves the rubbery and small airways of kids & primarily emerges in those 6m to 6yr. Older kids and adults tend to have a cold/cough or laryngitis with the same germ.If you had that strain as a kid you are immune
Answered on Oct 6, 2017
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A member asked:
Dr. John Leander Po answered
17 years experience Infectious Disease
Unlikely...: Though one may contract a virus by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth, the timing of your niece's illness ... Read More
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A member asked:
Dr. Tanya Russo answered
24 years experience Pediatrics
Shedding for awhile: Viral shedding, or period of contagiousness, for these types of viruses can last weeks, and are shed through the upper respiratory structures. Howeve ... Read More
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. James Ferguson answered
45 years experience Pediatrics
Yes: Croup is usually triggered by one of several upper respiratory viruses that are all contageous.However, the croup like illness is rather age specific, ... Read More
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Hasan Khondker answered
12 years experience Internal Medicine
Usually: if you have no more symptoms you are likely no longer contagious
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