Parainfluenza vs Influenza: Symptoms and Treatments

A group of viruses that are common in infants and children

Parainfluenza and influenza (the flu) are not related conditions, despite their similar names. Parainfluenza is caused by an entirely different virus, known as the human parainfluenza virus (HPIV). It is a common virus that can cause both upper and lower respiratory infections, including colds, bronchitis, croup, and pneumonia.

This article looks at the differences between parainfluenza and the flu, including their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Child sick in bed.

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Parainfluenza vs. Influenza

Although parainfluenza and influenza both cause respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses. Parainfluenza is caused by the human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), whereas influenza is caused by one of four different types of influenza virus: A, B, C, and D.

Although symptoms of parainfluenza are usually milder than the flu, symptoms can sometimes worsen and lead to bronchitis, croup, or pneumonia. Vaccines and antiviral medications are available for the flu, but they don't protect against or treat parainfluenza.

This table summarizes the differences between parainfluenza and influenza:

  Parainfluenza Influenza (flu) 
Symptoms Cough
Sore throat
Sneezing
Fever
Congestion
Ear pain
Lack of appetite
Fever or feeling feverish and chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
Cause  Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) Influenza Virus A, B, C, and D
Diagnosis Review symptoms
Throat culture, nasal swab, and imaging tests as needed
Review symptoms
Nose and throat swab tests
Treatment No treatment with mild symptoms
OTC remedies
Steroids or inhaled bronchodilators for more severe symptoms
OTC remedies
Influenza antiviral drugs
Prevention Wash hands
Sanitize surfaces
Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing
Stay home when sick
Annual flu vaccine
Wash hands
Sanitize surfaces
Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing
Stay home when sick

Parainfluenza Types

Parainfluenza viruses are common causes of respiratory illness. Parainfluenza infections are most likely to occur in the spring, summer, and fall. Most cases of parainfluenza occur in young children, but you can get parainfluenza at any age.

There are four different types of HPIV:

  • HPIV-1: The leading cause of croup in children
  • HPIV-2: Also a common cause for croup; typically seen in the fall
  • HPIV-3: Associated with pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis
  • HPIV-4: A less common type associated with more severe illness

Symptoms vary depending on both the viral type and the individual.

Parainfluenza Symptoms

After exposure, it takes between two to seven days for symptoms to develop. Most of the time, the virus causes an upper respiratory infection, which may include the following symptoms:

  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Congestion
  • Ear pain
  • Lack of appetite

In most cases, symptoms are not severe and may be similar to the common cold. Sometimes, however, symptoms can progressively worsen and may lead to lower respiratory infections in the main bronchial tube of the lungs (bronchitis), the smaller air passages (bronchiolitis), or the lung itself (pneumonia).

Symptoms of lower respiratory infection may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chest pain
  • A barking cough
  • Noisy or rattling breath

Children under 18 months of age, persons with weakened immune systems, and the elderly are most at risk for severe parainfluenza symptoms. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a person is having difficulty breathing.

What Causes Parainfluenza?

The parainfluenza virus is transmitted by coughing and sneezing or by touching objects that have HPIV on them and then transmitting the virus to your nose, mouth, or eyes.

As with the cold and flu, parainfluenza can be easily passed from person to person. The virus itself is quite robust and can live on surfaces for up to 10 hours. As a result, it can spread rapidly through places where people spend a lot of time in close quarters, such as daycares and elementary schools.

Diagnosis

In otherwise healthy people, parainfluenza is typically diagnosed by reviewing symptoms and ruling out other causes. Those with compromised immune systems may undergo additional testing to determine the strain affecting them. Your healthcare provider may also take a throat culture or nasal swab to rule out other pathogens, such as influenza A.

After examining you and listening to your lungs, your healthcare provider may order imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan, to check for pneumonia and determine the right course of treatment for you.

How Is Parainfluenza Treated?

If symptoms are mild, there is usually no need for medical intervention. In cases of fever or body aches, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or an over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu remedy may be used. (Children and adolescents should not take aspirin; read other product labels for the recommended age for use.)

For moderate to severe croup, steroids (typically dexamethasone) are given orally or intravenously. is only possible if the patient is not intubated or vomiting. Epinephrine, if given, is administered by inhalation via a nebulizer. For adults with pneumonia caused by parainfluenza, treatment is supportive (i.e., supplemental oxygen and/or ventilator support) and sometimes includes inhaled bronchodilators, such as albuterol and/or corticosteroids.

Secondary pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics.

Prevention

Parainfluenza transmission is prevented the same way as the cold or flu:

  • Wash your hands after coming in contact with someone who has a cold or the flu.
  • Sanitize any objects and surfaces the ill person may have touched.
  • If you are sick, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  • If someone is sick, they should stay home and not attend school or work until they are better.

Long-Term Outlook

Parainfluenza is not usually serious. Most people start to feel better in about seven to 10 days. 

Infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to experiencing serious illness, including bronchitis and pneumonia. If you or your child develop a barking cough, wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention. 

A Word From Verywell

Parainfluenza is more common than most people realize and, in most cases, is not of great concern. In fact, most people won't know whether they've caught a cold or HPIV—and it usually doesn't matter. However, if symptoms worsen or persist, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.

7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Types of influenza viruses.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs).

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) Transmission.

  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) Symptoms and Illnesses.

  6. NHS. How long do bacteria and viruses live outside the body?

  7. Bjornson C, et al. Nebulized epinephrine for croup in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Oct 10;(10):CD006619. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006619

By Kristina Herndon, RN
Kristina Herndon, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention.