Parainfluenza, because it is different from the flu

Infection with parainfluenza viruses causes symptoms very similar to those of the flu from which it is not easily distinguishable. Nevertheless…

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV) belong to the paramyxovirus genus while influenza viruses are orthomyxoviruses.

The symptoms of infection are very similar to those of a flu, although they are generally less severe.

It is not always necessary to make an exact diagnosis because treatment, as with the flu, is mainly based on curing the symptoms.

Parainfluenza mainly affects young children: they are responsible for 30-40 percent of all acute respiratory tract infections in infants and children, and are the most common cause of Croup (or acute laryngotracheobronchitis).

In adults they are one of the causes of respiratory tract infections and can generally be taken at work or school, when you are in contact with many people, and can give more or less severe symptoms depending on the case.

The most frequent parainfluenza virus is HPIV-1. Parainfluenza virus type 3 infections occur most frequently in spring and summer, are highly contagious and affect a high percentage of children in the first year of life.

Symptoms

The symptoms are very varied, depending also on the type of parainfluenza virus involved.

The following may appear:

• mild flu-like symptoms
• cold-like symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, chills
• inflammation of the larynx, trachea and bronchi (parainfluenza viruses are, in fact, the most common cause of Croup in children)
• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• bronchiolitis.

Bronchitis and viral pneumonia often occur during or after the initial acute episode in children, and sometimes even in adults infected with HPIV-3.

Bacterial complications are infrequent. However, as with other viral respiratory infections, exacerbations of asthmatic states or chronic bronchitis may occur.

Immunity is found in almost all adults and this leads to a reduced severity of the disease, should one reinfect oneself.

The elderly and immunocompromised people are more likely to contract the parainfluenza virus again, who are at high risk of serious complications.

Transmission and contagion

Transmission occurs through direct inhalation of infected respiratory droplets or from the hands through the eyes and nose.

Prolonged survival of HPIV on skin, clothing and other objects explains the easy spread in hospitals. The respiratory system appears to be the main place where the virus binds and infection begins.

Therapy

Illnesses due to parainfluenza viruses, although frequent, are usually mild and short-lived.

Bronchitis and pneumonia associated with type 3 infections sometimes cause severe disability, but are rarely fatal.

There is no specific therapy for these respiratory infections, in analogy with what happens for flu and colds.

The best remedy, being pathologies that, in general, resolve themselves, is to rest as much as possible.

If the fever is high or if the symptoms prevent rest, analgesic drugs such as paracetamol and NSAIDs, such as acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen and ibuprofen, can relieve the symptoms. If necessary, cough can be controlled with antitussive medications.