A number of viruses cause respiratory infections including HMPV.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is usually causes symptoms similar to a cold and flu.You might cough, have a runny nose or a sore throat.
Most cases are mild, but young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for serious illness.
Is human metapneumovirus just a cold?
Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. Small children, adults over 65 and people with breathing problems or a weak immune system may get severe symptoms.
How common is human metapneumovirus?
Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus?
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty in breathing(dyspnea)
- Rash
- Chest pain
- General ill health
How is human metapneumovirus transmitted?
HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus. For example:-
- Coughing and sneezing.
- Shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
- Touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys.
What are the risk factors for human metapneumovirus?
Anyone can get HMPV, but you’re at a higher risk for severe illness if you:
- Are younger than 5 years or older than 65.
- Have a weak immune system (from conditions like HIV, poorly controlled Diabetes, Chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, cancer or autoimmune disorders, or from medications that suppress your immune system).
- Have asthma or COPD.
What are the complications of human metapneumovirus?
Sometimes HMPV causes complications. These might be serious and require you to be hospitalized. They include:
- Respiratory Failure
- Bronchitis.
- Pneumonia(lower respiratory infection)
- Asthma or COPD flare-ups.
- Middle ear infection (otitis media).
Diagnosis and Tests
How is human metapneumoviru You won’t be tested for HMPV unless you have serious symptoms.
It is tested through nasal/throat swabs by RT PCR similar to H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) or SARS CoV2(Covid) testing.
Sometimes, your physician may also do a blood work chest X-rays to look for changes in the airways of your lungs.
Management and Treatment
Most people can manage their symptoms at home and the symptoms resolve within few days.
If you or your child are severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. There, physician can monitor your condition and help prevent you from getting sicker. They might treat you with:
- Oxygen therapy
- IV fluids. Fluids delivered directly to your vein (IV) can keep you hydrated.
- Corticosteroids. Steroids can reduce inflammation and might ease some of your symptoms.
- Antibiotics only treat bacteria. Since HMPV is a virus, antibiotics won’t get rid of it. Sometimes people also get a secondary bacterial infection at the same time. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it would be to treat any secondary infections.