Refers to a group of viruses that lead to infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Causes
There are four types of parainfluenza virus or parainfluenza virus, which can infect the upper respiratory or lower respiratory infections (pneumonia) in adults and children. The virus can cause croup, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and certain types of pneumonia.The exact number of cases of parainfluenza is unknown but is suspected to be very high. Sometimes the viruses cause only a runny nose and other symptoms that can be diagnosed as a cold rather than parainfluenza.
Infections are most common in fall and winter are more serious in infants and become less severe with age. Most school children have been exposed to parainfluenza virus. Most adults have antibodies against parainfluenza, although they may get repeat infections.
