Human Parainfluenza Viruses HPIV

Overview

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV) are a group of viruses that cause different types of respiratory infections and are most common in children and babies.

• infections range from the common cold and ear infections to croup and viral pneumonia
• the viruses need to run their course; antibiotics won't work
• they are most commonly transmitted from a sneeze
• lower respiratory infections seem to affect more boys than girls