GREENSBORO, N.C. — There's a growing concern related to a respiratory virus. Parents - you know it's called *Croup* - and it causes a bad cough for young children.
Our team spoke to two Triad parents who share their experience.
"It, it's hard to see him down and out the way that he is. He's a very, very happy child," said Jessica Craven, a Kernersville mother who has a son who was diagnosed with Croup.
"You never like seeing your kids sick and especially if, you know, if they get sick, there's a really good chance they're gonna end up with Croup," said Melanie Morrison, a Reidsville mother who's daughter had Croup as a child.
Mothers Jessica Craven and Melanie Morrison are miles apart but share a similar story.
"Madeline was, she was probably just a year old the first time that we actually experienced Croup," said Morrison.
"I have a seven year old who has had chronic Croup ever since he was just a few months old," said Craven.
The two have become quite familiar with the five letter illness Croup. According to experts, Croup is a respiratory illness that affects young children targeting their airways and giving them a familiar cough.
"The barking sound, the, um, the problem when he inhales and exhales that sound that you hear," said Craven.
"It just was, it was different. I thought it was a wheeze but it, it really wasn't a wheeze," said Morrison.
Novant Health Pediatrician Dr. Ryan Aubuchon says Croup cases are seen the most around November and December.
"We typically see this time of year in the fall and winter that affects younger children, typically infants to around three years or preschool age. It's typically caused by a virus," said Dr. Aubuchon.
He says treatments like oral steroids like Prednisone or Decadron can help.
Dr. Aubuchon says the best tip is for parents to practice good hygiene with their kids like washing hands and staying home if you don't feel well.