Are you wondering about the colds and coughs that little ones are getting these days? Let's talk about these parainfluenza viruses (Human Parainfluenza Viruses - HPIVs)!

Has your little one had a cold that has been going on for a couple of days? Or does he have a persistent cough? Maybe a sore throat? These symptoms are not only common among little ones these days, but sometimes even among adults. So you might be wondering what causes this. Today we are going to talk about a group of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses. They are the parainfluenza viruses, or as doctors call them `(Human Parainfluenza Viruses - HPIVs)`.

What exactly is parainfluenza (HPIVs)?

Simply put, parainfluenza is a common name for a group of viruses that affect our respiratory system, that is, our nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses can cause a variety of illnesses. Some of them are very mild and get better in a few days. But sometimes, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, they can be more severe.

Think of it this way, this virus is like someone who is always among us, but doesn't affect everyone in the same way.

Anyone can get HPV (HPIV) infections, but they are most common in young children and infants. You can get this virus several times in your life, and you can get it again if you get it in your early childhood. But there is good news! Usually, the first time you get it (usually in childhood), the next time it happens again, it is not as serious.

These ``(HPIV)`` infections are usually more common at certain times of the year. They are especially prevalent during the fall, winter, and spring (i.e., the colder months of the year).

Are there different types of this parainfluenza virus?

Yes, there are four main types of parainfluenza viruses that have been identified:

• HPIV-1 and HPIV-2: These two types are what often cause colds and a condition called ``Croup'', which is a hoarse, barking cough that occurs in children . This ``Croup'' condition can also make it a little difficult for little ones to breathe.
• HPIV-3: This type can directly affect the lower parts of our respiratory tract, that is, the lungs. This is why conditions like bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia are more likely to occur.
• HPIV-4: Although not much information has been found about this type yet, doctors believe that it causes the same disease as `(HPIV-3)`.

Is this like the common cold (Flu), RSV, or COVID-19? Or is it different?

This is a common problem for many people. Parainfluenza, the common cold virus `(Influenza virus)`, `(RSV)` virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and `(COVID-19)` are all caused by different types of viruses. But the symptoms of each of these can sometimes be similar. Things like fever, cough, and body aches can be seen in all of them.

The important thing is that all of these viral infections can sometimes lead to more serious conditions, such as pneumonia. The only way to know exactly which virus you have is to get tested by a doctor.

When you hear the name "parainfluenza," it sounds like "influenza" (the virus that causes the flu), right? In the past, doctors thought they were the same virus. But now we know that they are different diseases.

How common is parainfluenza? Who is most affected by it?

Parainfluenza infections are very common, especially among young children and infants. In fact, research has shown that more than 75% of children over 5 years of age and 90% of adults have been infected with this virus before. This is determined by testing for antibodies in their blood. This means that their immune system has fought off the virus at some point in the past.

Parainfluenza is usually not serious for healthy adults. However, if you have other health problems, such as chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system, the infection may be more severe and take longer to recover.

There is a higher risk of severe illness from these ``HPIVs'':

• For children under 5 years old.
• For adults over 65 years of age.
• For those with a weakened immune system (especially if they have had something like an organ transplant).
• For those with conditions such as asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and other chronic lung diseases (Interstitial lung disease).

What are the symptoms of the parainfluenza virus?

Symptoms are usually mild in adults, but they can be more severe in young children and those with weakened immune systems. See if these symptoms sound familiar to you:

• Fever.
• Cough: This can be a normal, short cough. Or it can be a hoarse cough like a dog barking (Croup) . Sometimes it can be a long-lasting cough with phlegm (Bronchitis).
• Congestion or stuffy nose.
• Sore throat/sore throat.
• A wheezing or stridor sound when breathing.
• Hoarseness.
• Sneezing.

How does this parainfluenza virus infect us?

This virus is spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. Imagine, your friend has a cold. When he coughs or sneezes, microscopic droplets containing the virus can enter your nose and mouth. Or those droplets can get on your hands and enter your nose and mouth when you touch your face.

In other words:

• When an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• By touching a surface (e.g. doorknobs, computers, phones) that has the virus on it and then touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes with that same hand.
• By touching the hands and face of someone who is sick, and then touching your own face, mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Young children can get this disease from other children or from touching things like desks, toys, and playground equipment. Think about it, young children often put toys in their mouths, put their hands in their mouths. So they can easily catch this.

Does this breed easily?

Yes, parainfluenza is a virus that is very easily transmitted from person to person. It spreads especially quickly among young children because they don't understand cleanliness as much as adults.

How does a doctor recognize this?

Usually, a doctor does not do a specific test to look for the parainfluenza virus. However, if they do, they can take a sample of mucus from your nose or throat with a long, cotton-tipped swab. It is sent to a lab to be tested for the presence of HPIVs and other viruses and bacteria.

Doctors often diagnose diseases caused by these ``HPIVs'' by asking about your symptoms and examining you. Here are some things they may do when examining you:

• Listening to your heart and lungs.
• Checking your nose and mouth.
• Measure your blood pressure with a strap on your arm.
• A pulse oximeter, or pulse ox, is a device that measures the oxygen level in the blood by attaching something like a clip to the finger.

How do you manage symptoms at home?

Most people can manage mild symptoms of HPIV infection at home. Adults can use some over-the-counter medications. However, you should always check with your doctor before giving any medication to your child. Aspirin is especially not recommended for children under 16 years of age.

There are several things you can do at home to relieve symptoms:

• Get plenty of rest. It's very important not to overwork your body.
• Drink plenty of fluids like water and soup. This will help keep your body from getting dehydrated.
• Use a humidifier in your room or your child's room. This can help relieve a sore throat, stuffy nose, and cough.
• You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce fever and relieve body aches . However, be sure to know the exact dosage if you are giving it to children.
• You can use decongestants, cough suppressants, expectorants, or throat lozenges, depending on your symptoms. However, it is best to take these only under medical advice.

How to protect yourself from parainfluenza?

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine yet to protect against the parainfluenza virus. However, some everyday habits can help reduce the risk of contracting the disease:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. It's best to sneeze/cough into your elbow or a tissue. Don't do it with your bare hands.
• If you or someone else has a contagious illness like a cold, limit your contact with others.
• If you are sick and must be around other people, wear a mask.
• Always avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Do not share food, drinks, dishes, or cutlery with others.
• Teach young children how to wash their hands properly and other hygiene habits as early as possible.

What happens if I get this disease? How long will it last?

Most people are infected with the virus (HPIV) at least once before the age of 5. If they get it again in older children and adults, the symptoms are usually mild. Most people can manage their symptoms at home. But you should be aware of the symptoms. Young children, people with chronic lung disease, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill.

Depending on the type of HPIV infection you have, you may be sick for a few days to a week. Some symptoms (like a cough) may last for two weeks or longer.

What are the possible complications?

As we have discussed before, children under 5 years of age, adults over 65 years of age, and people with weakened immune systems can develop severe illness from HPIVs. The most common complications are pneumonia and severe forms of croup. Both can cause difficulty breathing and may require hospitalization.

In fact, a significant number of children hospitalized for respiratory illnesses are caused by these ``HPIV'' infections.

What are the best times to see a doctor?

If you or your child have severe symptoms or signs of a condition called ``Croup'', you should definitely see a doctor. This includes:

• A barky cough, like a dog barking.
• If you are making a noise when breathing (Noisy breathing).
• If you have trouble breathing.

When should you go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

If you or your child are experiencing very severe symptoms , go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. Symptoms include:

• Very high fever (over 103 Fahrenheit/40 Celsius).
• Severe difficulty breathing.
• No or very little urine output.
• Persistent chest or abdominal pain.
• If you feel dizzy all the time.
• Severe muscle pain or weakness.
• Blue discoloration of the skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis) (this may be a sign of low oxygen levels in the blood).
• Seizures .

Some important questions to ask your doctor

When you see a doctor, it's helpful to ask these questions:

• How to treat symptoms at home?
• What over-the-counter medications (OTC medications) can I use?
• What medications can I give my child? What is the dosage?
• What severe symptoms should I look out for?
• When do you need to go to the emergency room?
• Do you want to come and meet again?
• How long will it take to recover?

Final Take-Home Message

Parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are a group of common viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to conditions like croup. Most adults get it and don't get sick. However, some people can get very sick from this virus. If you are over 65, have a weakened immune system, or have a child under 5, it's important to be on the lookout for serious symptoms. If you or your child have serious symptoms, don't hesitate to see a doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Stay healthy!

` Parainfluenza, HPIV, respiratory diseases, cough, fever, croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, child health, viral infections