How To Prevent And Treat Croup

Encourage Sneezing Into An Elbow

An easy preventative measure parents can take is to encourage sneezing into an elbow. If their child is an infant, they may not get the message. But toddlers have an extremely high capacity for learning. They're also prone to mimicking the things those around them do. If parents demonstrate sneezing into their own elbow, they may follow suit. Parents should also encourage other adults and children to sneeze into their elbows, or to wash their hands immediately after sneezing into them. Sneezing into the hands smears them with germs, and sneezing into the open air sends airborne illnesses flying everywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sneezing into the sleeve is the safest option.

Wash Hands Frequently

Parents can help prevent croup and many other illnesses if they wash their hands frequently. This is also a good time to demonstrate good hygiene to their child. Teach them to wash their hands each time they sneeze or go to the bathroom. If parents want to keep their child safe from potentially harmful diseases, they should wash their own hands before touching their skin. The CDC estimates that thousands of people die every year from illnesses that could have been prevented through simple hand-washing. Children and infants are more vulnerable to disease than adults because of their developing immune systems. Even germs that wouldn't ordinarily hurt an adult can pose a potential threat to little ones. When in doubt, individuals should err on the side of caution and wash their hands.