• Sudden onset of a viral infection resulting in swelling of the area between the tongue and throat
• Affects breathing
  Symptoms may include a repeated barking cough, high-pitched, harsh sound due to obstruction and breathlessness
  Commonly spread by breathing in infected droplets from the air or contact with contaminated objects
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but more common in young children
  May be mild to severe requiring a breathing tube to keep the airway open
• May be life threatening

• Use cool air humidifier for moist air
• Breathe warm moist, steamy air in bathroom
• Breathe cool fresh air outdoors
• Comfort and distract child
• Sit upright to improve breathing
• Encourage resting
• Wash hands frequently

FOR FEVER

• Apply cool cloth to forehead or armpits
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin (Do not give to children or adolescents)