Caring for Kids
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Croup
Croup is an infection of the throat, vocal cords (larynx), and large airways of the lungs. It can be caused by several different viruses. When children younger than five years of age have the infection, it’s called croup. In older children, it’s called laryngitis.
Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have croup?
No exclusion necessary unless too ill to participate in regular activities.
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers.
Certain causes of croup, such as measles and influenza, are preventable by vaccination. Check your child's vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information.
Healthcare provider information
Canadian Paediatric Society
One Health Canada
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: May 2026, by CDC