Video - Human parainfluenza viruses

Back to full view

00:00 / 00:00

Video Summary

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are a group of four closely related RNA viruses belonging to the paramyxoviridae family. HPIVs causes acute respiratory infections, especially in children under five years. They cause respiratory infections such as croup, bronchiolitis, and Pneumonia, which are spread through infected droplets in the air and contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include fever, myalgia, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Infections caused by HPIVs are usually self-limiting, only requiring supportive management. Sometimes however, they may require corticosteroids and epinephrine to relieve airway obstruction.