Learn About Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza refers to a group of viruses that lead to upper and lower respiratory infections.
Human parainfluenza virus; HPIVs
There are four types of parainfluenza virus. They can all cause lower or upper respiratory infections in adults and children. The virus can cause croup, bronchiolitis, bronchitis and certain types of pneumonia.
The exact number of parainfluenza cases is unknown. The number is suspected to be very high. Infections are most common in fall and winter. Parainfluenza infections are most severe in infants and become less severe with age. By school age, most children have been exposed to the parainfluenza virus. Most children and adults have antibodies against parainfluenza, although they can get repeat infections.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection. Cold-like symptoms consisting of a runny nose and mild cough are common. Life-threatening respiratory symptoms can be seen in young infants with bronchiolitis and those with weak immune system.
In general, symptoms may include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing
- Cough or croup
There is no specific treatment for parainfluenza infection. Certain treatments are available for the symptoms of croup and bronchiolitis to make breathing easier.
Peter Aaby practices in Bissau, Guinea. Mr. Aaby is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Parainfluenza. His top areas of expertise are Measles, Parainfluenza, Tetanus, and Smallpox.
Stephen Luby is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Stanford, California. Dr. Luby is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parainfluenza. His top areas of expertise are Diarrhea, Parainfluenza, Typhoid Fever, and Salmonella Enterocolitis.
Infectious Disease Clinical
Ann Falsey is an Infectious Disease provider in Rochester, New York. Dr. Falsey is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parainfluenza. Her top areas of expertise are Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection, Parainfluenza, Flu, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Most infections in adults and older children are mild and recovery takes place without treatment, unless the person is very old or has an abnormal immune system. Medical intervention may be necessary if breathing difficulties develop.
Secondary bacterial infections are the most common complication. Airway obstruction in croup and bronchiolitis can be severe and even life threatening, especially in younger children.
Contact your provider if:
- You or your child develops croup, wheezing, or any other type of breathing difficulty.
- A child under 18 months develops any type of upper respiratory symptom.
There are no vaccines available for parainfluenza. A few preventive measures that may help include:
- Avoid crowds to limit exposure during peak outbreaks.
- Wash your hands often.
- Limit exposure to day care centers and nurseries, if possible.
Summary: This study evaluates persistence of the immune response of the adjuvanted RSV vaccine and the safety and immunogenicity following revaccination in adults 18 years of age and above who received lung or kidney transplant.
Summary: The purpose of this study is: * To investigate the optimal timing for revaccination after the initial RSVPreF3 OA vaccine dose, * To evaluate the long-term immune persistence and safety up to 5 consecutive RSV seasons (approximately 60 months) of a single dose of RSVPreF3 OA vaccine, * To give the opportunity to participants who received only placebo in the RSVOA=ADJ- 006 study, to receive a dose ...
Published Date: August 19, 2024
Published By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Ison MG. Parainfluenza viruses. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 156.
Weinberg GA, Edwards KM. Parainfluenza viral disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 331.
Welliver Sr RC. Parainfluenza viruses. In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ, eds. Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 179.