Croup - Would You Inform All Parents

[Jupadia]

Hi all I wondering if someone could give me advise. Luckily we never had more then slight tummy bugs or cold through the daycare yet. But today one of my parents said their kids out for the week with croup. I don't know much about it but do have a family that attends with DCB2 who has a new baby at home (2 weeks old born slightly premature ). Should I let all parents know or just this family. Should I say something?

[childcaremom]

I would. For anything that may have serious implications in the rest of the group, I will send out a notice that "A child in the group has been diagnosed with x. Symptoms to watch for include: list of them. Please keep your child home if he/she is exhibiting any of these symptoms."

As a mom of a preemie with lung issues, I would appreciate the warning. (I would appreciate it no matter what, though.)

[Cat Herder]

Croup is a secondary infection caused by a virus. In most cases it can be treated at home with cold night air or cool mist humidifier. Most ER admissions are discharged within the hour.

It is generally mild.

[Ariana]

It generally sounds a lot worse than it is but my daughter had it and she was a bit of a bear with it. Really wet sounding cough and had a hard time breathing so we had to do humid baths and humudifier in her room at night. She slept well though and luckily it was over Christmas break.

All this to say I would definitely let parents know just so they know what it is if their kids get it. Unless it is a mild cold I usually always let parents know if kids have something, especially if they've been excluded for it.

[Jupadia]

Just wanted to say thanks to all.

I am going to inform parents, thought I should but wanted backup that it was not over reacting.

Thanks again

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I would. For anything that may have serious implications in the rest of the group, I will send out a notice that "A child in the group has been diagnosed with x. Symptoms to watch for include: list of them. Please keep your child home if he/she is exhibiting any of these symptoms."

As a mom of a preemie with lung issues, I would appreciate the warning. (I would appreciate it no matter what, though.)

Same.

Except I send out a little note on Brightwheel any time any illness is going around so parents are aware. It REALLY cuts down on them trying to bring them ill and claiming every single symptom is a result of allergies (none are teething here).

[AmyKidsCo]

I probably wouldn't. Two of our six children had croup repeatedly when they were younger, and our doctor explained that croup is an individual's reaction to a virus, like an ear infection. Some kids get ear infections every time they're sick, others - like my kids - get croup.

I tell parents when a virus is going around but don't tell parents if someone has an ear infection so I wouldn't tell if someone had croup either.

[daycare]

personally I would. I have children that are asthmatic and when they get sick, they get sick really bad to the point of being hospitalized.

BUT, you know your program best and if you feel that it will be helpful information to the parents, I would inform them.

I would just simply put out a notice that states, your child was exposed to another child in care that has been diagnosed with croup.

[trix23]

I would. Parents should be told about if there's a communicable disease that is going around, other than the common cold. I consider it a common courtesy. You don't have to say who has it, just that a child in care has/had it and the steps you're taking with that child to ensure it doesn't spread more.

[hwichlaz]

Croup itself isn't contagious. It's a possible secondary effect from an upper respiratory illness. It's usually child specific...i n that for some kids...every single little cold turns in to croup.