URGENT HEL P PLEASE CROUP

[Rumpel]

Hi all can you give me some of your words of wisdom please. DD is having her birthday party tomorrow and her BF has been diagnosed with croup (today). Her BF won;t be attending but can her 2 sisters (no symptoms 1 age 2 and 1 age 7) carry it and pass it on to other guests? There will be 5 month old baby and 4 11 month olds there. The rest are age 2 upwards. Any advice appreciated. Need to let friend know tonight so please help.

TIA

Couldn't say for certain - I think it's a secondary infection but don't quote me.

Try NHS Direct.

think croup is caused by cold virus so as infectious as a cold. so not everyone who is contact with a cold will catch a cold, same with croup, I think.

Hmm yeah just googling. It says it can survive on toys etc but doesn't state how long the virus survives for outside the human body. It is passed on by coughing, sneezing etc - like the cold.

Incubation 5-6 days and virus most contagious at onset of symptoms and whilst temp is up. Have told friend best not to bring them as not fair on the little babies or other kiddlies - especially when there is food involved ( kids, sticky hand setc etc).

Thanks

generally viruses live 24 hours on hard surfaces and 20 minutes on soft ones. Most cold and flu type viruses and croup is in that category are not infectious unless someone is showing symptoms and is spread then by droplet (sneezes and coughs) and hand contact. If the children are well they are not likely to pass on the virus, but if you feel responsible re the baby, Im sure there mum will understand.

Thanks Sneeze what an apt name in this case! Just think better safe than sorry.