No strategies for primary prevention are currently recommended. Work continues into the development of an effective vaccine against the parainfluenza virus.[17]Crowe JE Jr. Current approaches to the development of vaccines against disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus (PIV). A meeting report of the WHO Programme for Vaccine Development. Vaccine. 1995 Mar;13(4):415-21.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7793140?tool=bestpractice.com
[18]Belshe RB, Newman FK, Anderson EL, et al. Evaluation of combined live, attenuated respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza 3 virus vaccines in infants and young children. J Infect Dis. 2004 Dec 15;190(12):2096-103.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15551207?tool=bestpractice.com
If a vaccine were to become available, this may lead to a significant reduction in croup caused by parainfluenza viruses.
Secondary prevention
In developing nations, vitamin A has been used as a preventive therapy for croup caused by severe measles.[7]D'Souza RM, D'Souza R. Vitamin A for preventing secondary infections in children with measles - a systematic review. J Trop Pediatr. 2002 Apr;48(2):72-7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12022432?tool=bestpractice.com
[8]Hussey GD, Klein M. A randomized, controlled trial of vitamin A in children with severe measles. N Engl J Med. 1990 Jul 19;323(3):160-4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194128?tool=bestpractice.com