Parainfluenza Virus Symptoms

While there's no shortage of illnesses and diseases that have plagued people over time and caused many a pharmacy trip, the common cold remains one of the most prevalent infections in medicine. The media typically cover what is known as the flu and cold season every autumn, giving advice on prevention and what to do in case of infection. These remedies work for only a small percentage of the known viruses, which include a rather large family. One family member is the HPIV group, or the parainfluenza virus.

Types

• The parainfluenza virus is divided into two separate categories, the human strain (HPIV) and the canine (CPI) strain. Each are common to their respective hosts. HPIV is further divided into four distinct subgroups, while the canine strain is only known for one. Of the four HPIV subgroups, the first two are blamed for causing the croup, a series of respiratory infections in children 6 and under, as well as causing other lesser grade lower tract illnesses. HPIVs 3 and 4 are associated with pneumonia. CPI manifests only as a respiratory tract infection.

Symptoms

• Both HPIV and CPI possess the same symptoms congruent with colds: sinus congestion, sore throat, cough, wheezing, and mild chest pain associated with breathing. Mild fever is to be expected as well. If CPI isn't treated appropriately, or if there are underlying health conditions that compromise the animal's immune system, more severe bronchial complications can occur.

Treatment

• There are no known cures for either CPI or the four HPIV classes, although some breakthroughs in the medical research field have hinted that immunization may be a possibility in the near future. Over-the-counter medications are the age-old method of effectively dealing with the symptoms, however in the case of the third and fourth HPIV subgroups, professional medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible. Rest and proper hydration is advised, as the virus lingers in the body only for a few days.

Prevention/Solution

• Regular hand washing with soap and warm water is the greatest method advised by doctors to prevent contamination by, or the spread of, HPIV. In the case of CPI, quarantining sick dogs away from other animals is key. HPIVs are the second leading cause of respiratory illness in kids, so avoidance of daycare centers or enclosed contact with children is one method parents can employ to prevent further infection, although this may be extremely difficult to arrange.

Warning

• If symptoms persist longer than a few days, or seem to worsen rapidly, seek immediate medical assistance, as these signs may be indicative of more serious complications. Constriction of air passageways from the worsening symptoms, or from other infections that occur simultaneously, can occur rapidly. For dogs, the increase in symptoms may be a sign of tracheobronchitis, which may develop into canine pneumonia. For parents with children 18 months and under, always seek medical help at the first sign of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms to avoid complications or the possible development of HPIV into a more serious condition.