What Is Parainfluenza?

Parainfluenza is a common virus that can cause both upper and lower respiratory infections, including colds, bronchitis, croup, and pneumonia. Despite the name, it is not related to influenza (the flu). It is caused by an entirely different virus known as the human parainfluenza virus (HPIV).

There are four different types of HPIV:

• HPIV-1: The leading cause of croup in children
• HPIV-2: Also a common cause for croup; typically seen in autumn
• HPIV-3: Associated with pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis
• HPIV-4: A less common type associated with more severe illness

Symptoms vary depending on both the viral type and individual.

After exposure, it takes between two to seven days for symptoms to develop, the most common of which include:

• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Congestion
• Ear pain
• Chest pain
• Lack of appetite

In most cases, symptoms are not severe and may be similar to the common cold. Sometimes, however, symptoms can progressively worsen and may lead to infections in the main bronchial tube of the lungs (bronchitis), the smaller air passages (bronchiolitis), or the lung itself (pneumonia).

As with the cold and flu, parainfluenza can be easily passed from person to person. The virus itself is quite robust and can live on surfaces for up to 10 hours. As a result, it can spread rapidly through places where people spend a lot of time in close quarters, such as daycares and elementary schools.

Parainfluenza infections are more common in the spring, summer, and fall.Most cases of parainfluenza occur in young children, but you can get it at any age.

To prevent the spread of infection, the same rules for the cold or flu apply:

• Wash your hands after coming in contact with someone who has a cold or the flu.
• Sanitize any objects and surfaces the ill person may have touched.
• If you are sick, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• If someone is sick, they should stay home and not attend school or work until they are better.

In otherwise healthy people, parainfluenza is typically diagnosed by reviewing symptoms and ruling out other causes. Those with compromised immune systems may undergo additional testing to determine the strain affecting them. Your doctor may also take a throat culture or nasal swab to rule out other pathogens, such as influenza A.

After examining you and listening to your lungs, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan, to check for pneumonia and determine the right course of treatment for you.

If symptoms are mild, there is usually no need for medical intervention. In cases of fever or body aches, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or an over-the-counter cold and flu remedy may be used. (Children and adolescents should not take aspirin; read other product labels for the recommended age for use.)

In cases of wheezing or breathing difficulty, prescription nebulizer medications such as Pulmicort may be used to help relax and open the air passages. In the event of respiratory distress, oral steroids or a shot of epinephrine may be prescribed.

Secondary pneumonia is typically be treated with antibiotics.

Parainfluenza is more common than most people realize and, in most cases, is not of great concern. In fact, most people won't know whether they've caught a cold or HPIV—and it usually doesn't matter. However, if symptoms worsen or persist, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.