Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV)
Disease Information
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
