Prevention of Parainfluenza
Prevention of Parainfluenza:
No vaccine is currently available to protect against infection caused
by any of the HPIVs; however, researchers are developing vaccines against
HPIV-1 and -3 infection. Passively acquired maternal antibodies may play
a role in protection from HPIV types 1 and 2 in the first few months of
life, highlighting the importance of breast-feeding. Strict attention
to infection-control practices should decrease or prevent spread of infection.
Frequent handwashing and not sharing items such as cups, glasses, and
utensils with an infected person should decrease the spread of virus to
others. Excluding children with colds or other respiratory illnesses (without
fever) who are well enough to attend child care or school settings will
probably not decrease the spread of HPIVs, because the viruses are often
spread in the early stages of illness. In a hospital setting, spread of
HPIVs can and should be prevented by strict attention to contact precautions,
such as handwashing and wearing of protective gowns and gloves1
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Human Parainfluenza Viruses: DVRD
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Medical Articles: