What is parainfluenza virus? What are the symptoms of parainfluenza virus infection? What are the different types of human para influenza virus? How can homeopathy help you? All of this answered, in this post and of course our doctors always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is the genus Human Parainfluenza Virus?
They are a group of contagious viruses that are responsible for upper as well as lower respiratory affections in humans.
They are divided into four types each representing its own form.
The virus can affect animals too.
It belongs to Paramyxoviridae family.
It is a community-acquired infection, its outbreak is in groups like preschools, care, etc.
Who is more prone to these viruses?
• Malnourished Children –deficiency of vitamin A
• Infants
• Children who are deprived of breastfeeding
• No specific gender both male and females are equally susceptible
• People of all ages
• Immunosuppressant people
• Autumn weather
What are the causes of Human Parainfluenza Virus?
Majorly can be divided into 2 genera:
• Respirovirus – includes HPV-1, HPV-3
• Rubulavirus – ncludes HPV-2, HPV-4
• Human Parainfluenza Virus 1(HPV-1): -Laryngotracheobronchitis (croup)
• Human Parainfluenza Virus 2(HPV-2): – It causes upper as well as lower respiratory tract infections
• Human Parainfluenza Virus 3(HPV-3): – pneumonia and bronchiolitis
• Human Parainfluenza Virus 4(HPV-4): – mostly asymptomatic or respiratory complaints in a mild form
How do these viruses spread?
• Unwashed hands
• Droplet infection-coughing, sneezing, talking, etc.
• Intimate physical contact
• Fomites like utensils, bed, clothing’s
• Secretions like sputum, saliva
• Eating food in large groups
What are the signs and symptoms of Human Parainfluenza Virus?
It depends upon the type of infection though very difficult to differentiate, most common symptoms are:-
• Sneezing
• Running nose
• Croup (infants from 6-48months)
• Sore throat
• Nasal obstruction
• Fever
• Wheezing on auscultation
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Decreased appetite
What investigations are advised for Human Parainfluenza Virus?
• Throat or nasal swab for virus culture
• Sputum examination
• Complete blood count
• X-ray chest
• Bronchoscopy
• IgG antibody testing
• Polymerase chain reaction
• ELISA
What treatment is advised for Human Parainfluenza Virus?
• No specific treatment available
• Antiviral drugs can be helpful to reduce the virulence of the infection
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Antipyretic drugs
• Nebulizer
• Cortico-steroids
• Cough Syrup-Broncho relaxants
• No vaccine is available till date (flu-vaccine is not helpful)
• Hospitalization may require in serious cases
What is the prognosis of the genus Human Parainfluenza Virus?
Prognosis very good as patient recover from it, death is very rare due to HPV if at all they can be due to superadded secondary infections
What is the complication of the Human Parainfluenza Virus?
• Asthma
• Bronchiolitis
• Severe Pneumonia
• COPD
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Myocardial failure
• Hepatitis
• Febrile seizure
• Meningitis
What is the differential diagnosis of Human Parainfluenza Virus?
• Upper and lower respiratory tract infection
• Adenovirus
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Influenza
What management is helpful for Human Parainfluenza Virus?
• Use napkins and handkerchief while coughing or sneezing
• Don’t send the child to school
• Avoid going to crowded places
• Maintain good hygiene
• Avoid sharing fomites
• Wash hand with soap for 20 seconds
• Try to disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, furniture, toys, etc. regularly.
What are commonly indicated homeopathic remedies for Human Parainfluenza Virus?
• Arsenicum album
• Phosphorus
• Pulsatilla
• Oscillococcinum
Also Read: Pneumonia
For more information, you can visit CDC and HealthLine.
