Is parainfluenza 2 a serious illness in a 6yr old?

Parainfluenza viral infection may be associated with a number of conditions. It is commonly associated with infection of the upper airway and bronchi. Watch for signs of worsening cough and fever.

Most of the time, at that age, parainfluenza just causes a barky cough and possibly fever, also other cold symptoms. Younger children than that sometimes have more of a problem because their airways are smaller and when the virus causes swelling, the airway is too small and can cause difficulty breathing. At age 6, that is less likely to happen but if there is trouble breathing, go the the ER.