Parainfluenza (Human Parainfluenza Viruses)

Parainfluenza viruses are germs that cause many types of respiratory illnesses. They’re also called HPIVs, for “human parainfluenza viruses.”

While the name might sound similar to “influenza,” the type of virus that causes the flu, parainfluenza viruses don’t give you the flu. They cause colds and other illnesses with symptoms like sore throat, cough and congestion. Symptoms can be mild or severe.

Parainfluenza infections are very common, especially in infants and children. Most adults and kids older than 5 have had one before. It’s possible to get infected with HPIVs many times in your life, even if you’ve had one when you were younger. You’re less likely to get severe illness after your first infection (usually in childhood).

Types

There are four common types of parainfluenza viruses:

• HPIV-1 and HPIV-2: These viruses are more likely to cause colds and croup.
• HPIV-3: This virus is more likely to infect your airways and lungs, causing bronchiolitis, bronchitis or pneumonia.
• HPIV-4: Experts don’t know as much about HPIV-4, but they think it causes illnesses similar to HPIV-3.

Symptoms of parainfluenza

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough — can be mild or barky
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• A high-pitched sound when you breathe (wheezing or stridor)
• Hoarse voice
• Sneezing

Symptoms are usually mild in adults, but can be more severe in children or those with a compromised immune system.

Parainfluenza causes

You get parainfluenza viruses from direct or indirect contact with someone who’s infected. Common ways to get parainfluenza include:

• Coughing and sneezing: If someone who’s infected coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing HPIV can get into your nose or mouth directly through the air. They can also get on your hands, and then get into your nose or mouth when you touch your face.
• Contaminated surfaces: The virus can get into your body if you touch a surface contaminated with it, and then touch your face, mouth, nose or eyes. This includes things like doorknobs, computers and phones.
• Contact with someone who’s sick: The virus can get into your body if you touch the hands or face of someone who’s sick with parainfluenza virus, and then touch your face, mouth, nose or eyes.

Kids often get it directly from other kids or from touching things like desks, toys and playground equipment.

Is parainfluenza contagious?

Parainfluenza spreads easily from person to person. It’s particularly contagious in young kids. This is because they often put toys and their hands in their mouths. And they don’t understand good hygiene habits yet, like washing your hands, the way adults do.

Risk factors

Parainfluenza usually isn’t serious in adults without chronic health conditions. You’re more likely to get seriously ill or take longer to recover if you:

• Are younger than 5
• Are older than 65
• Have a compromised immune system, especially if you’ve received an organ donation
• Have a chronic lung condition, like asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or interstitial lung disease

Complications

The most common complications of parainfluenza are pneumonia and severe forms of croup. Both can make breathing difficult and can mean a hospital stay. HPIV infections are one of the most common causes of hospitalization in kids with respiratory illnesses.

How doctors diagnose parainfluenza

Usually, providers diagnose parainfluenza infections by asking about your symptoms and examining you. During your exam, they might:

• Listen to your heart and lungs
• Look in your nose and mouth
• Take your blood pressure with a cuff around your arm
• Test how much oxygen is in your blood with a clip on your finger

You usually don’t need to be tested for parainfluenza viruses. If a provider does test you, they’ll use a long stick with a soft tip (swab) to take a sample of mucus from your nose or throat. They’ll send it to a lab to test for HPIVs and other viruses or bacteria.

How is parainfluenza virus treated?

There aren’t any specific treatments for parainfluenza virus infections. Many people can manage mild symptoms at home. Adults can usually take over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Ask your child’s healthcare provider before giving them any medications.

Some things you can do to treat your symptoms at home include:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink fluids like water or broth to stay hydrated.
• Run a humidifier in your room or your child’s room to help relieve congestion and cough.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or NSAIDs (Motrin®, Advil®, Aleve®) can help lower fever and relieve aches and pains. Decongestants, cough suppressants, expectorants or throat lozenges might also help, depending on which symptoms are bothering you.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Go to the ER or seek immediate medical attention if you or your child has symptoms of severe illness, including:

• High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius)
• Difficulty breathing
• Not peeing or peeing very little
• Chest pain
• Persistent dizziness
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Bluish skin, lips or nails (cyanosis)
• Seizures
• Noisy breathing

What can I expect if I have parainfluenza?

Older kids and adults usually get milder symptoms than kids under 5. Most people are able to manage their symptoms at home, but keep an eye out for serious symptoms. Young children, people with chronic lung disease and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for getting severely ill.

How long does parainfluenza last?

Depending on what kind of parainfluenza virus you have, you can be sick for a few days to a week. Cough or tiredness can linger for two weeks or longer.

Can this be prevented?

Some steps you can take to help reduce your risk of getting and spreading parainfluenza include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid sharing food or eating utensils (forks, spoons and cups) with others.
• Teach kids how to wash their hands properly and practice other hygiene habits early.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue rather than your bare hand.
• Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with colds or other infectious diseases.
• Wear a mask if you’re sick and can’t avoid being around others.