How Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV) Spreads

What to know

  • Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) can spread through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and touching objects that have HPIV on them.
  • HPIVs can circulate throughout the year.
Young boy sneezing next to friend.

How HPIVs Spread

HPIVs usually spread from an infected person to others through:

  • the air by coughing and sneezing
  • close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • touching objects or surfaces that have HPIVs on them and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

People can get HPIV infections anytime of the year, but infections are more common in the spring, summer, and fall.

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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division