What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
A virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) typically produces symptoms that resemble the common cold. Although it frequently results in upper respiratory infections, it can also exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), trigger flare-ups of asthma, or cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia. Winter and early spring are when HMPV infections are most prevalent.
HMPV typically strikes before the age of five. Although HMPV can recur, symptoms are often modest following an initial infection.
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(HMPV) human metapneumovirus just a cold?
Although some people may become seriously ill, human metapneumovirus often causes symptoms that resemble a cold. Young children are more susceptible to serious disease because the first time you have HMPV, you are more likely to become seriously ill. After your initial infection, you develop some immunity, which increases your risk of experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms if you contract HMPV again. Severe symptoms may also be experienced by adults over 65, those with respiratory issues, and those with compromised immune systems.
How common is human metapneumovirus?
Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.
Is human metapneumovirus the same as RSV?
Although they are not the same, human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are comparable. It shares symptoms with RSV (pneumovirus) and belongs to the same genus, or scientific grouping. While RSV is more likely to cause serious disease in infants under six months of age, HMPV is most likely to cause severe illness between six and twelve months of age.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:
• Cough.
• Fever.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Sore throat.
• Wheezing.
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Rash.
What causes a human metapneumovirus infection?
A virus — a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself — causes HMPV. It’s part of the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps.
How is human metapneumovirus transmitted?
HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus. For instance:
• 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 (especially premature infants) or older than 65.
• Have a weakened immune system (from conditions like HIV, 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:
• Bronchiolitis.
• Bronchitis.
• Pneumonia.
• Asthma or COPD flare-ups.
• Ear infection (otitis media).
Diagnosis and Tests
How is human metapneumovirus diagnosed?
HMPV is typically diagnosed by medical professionals based on your medical history and symptoms. They may take a sample from your throat or nose using a swab, which is a soft-tipped stick. The sample is examined in a lab for viruses and other diseases. Remember that unless you have severe symptoms, you are unlikely to be tested for HMPV.
To check for alterations in your lungs’ airways, your doctor may occasionally additionally perform a bronchoscopy or chest X-ray.
Management and Treatment
How is human metapneumovirus treated?
Human metapneumovirus cannot be treated with antiviral drugs. Until they feel better, the majority of people can manage their symptoms at home.
You may need to be admitted to the hospital if you or your child are very sick. Healthcare professionals can keep an eye on your health there and assist keep you from getting worse. They could give you:
• Oxygen therapy :- If you’re having a hard time breathing, a provider may give you extra oxygen through a tube in your nose or mask on your face.
• 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.
Do you need antibiotics for human metapneumovirus?
No. Only bacteria are treated by antibiotics. Since HMPV is a virus, it cannot be eradicated by antibiotics. Pneumonia caused by HMPV can occasionally coexist with a bacterial infection (secondary infection). Antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor to treat any secondary infections.
Avoidance
Can you prevent a human metapneumovirus infection?
You can reduce your risk of getting HMPV and other infectious diseases by:
• Washing your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth — with your elbow, not your bare hand — when you sneeze or cough.
• Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with a cold or other contagious diseases.
• Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick and can’t avoid being around others.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
• Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.
(HMPV) Virus Cases in India
Outlook / Prognosis
How long does human metapneumovirus last?
Human metapneumovirus mild cases often last a few days to a week. It will likely take longer to recover if you are extremely ill. Additionally, you may experience persistent symptoms that take longer to resolve, such as a cough.
How do I take care of myself?
You can manage mild, cold-like symptoms of HMPV at home by:
• Drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications like pain relievers, decongestants and cough suppressants to help your symptoms. Don’t give medications to kids without asking their pediatrician first — some medications that are OK for adults aren’t safe for kids.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Contact a healthcare provider if:
• You or your child has symptoms of a respiratory infection and an underlying condition that puts you or them at an elevated risk for severe illness.
• Your symptoms or your child’s symptoms don’t start to improve within a few days or if you or your child has a fever lasting longer than three days.
When should I go to the ER?
Go to the ER or seek immediate medical attention if you or your child has symptoms of severe illness, including:
• High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit /40 degrees Celsius).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Bluish skin, lips or nails (cyanosis).
• Worsening of other health conditions.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
It might be helpful to ask your healthcare provider:
• What over-the-counter medications can I use?
• How do I treat my symptoms at home?
• What severe symptoms should I look out for?
• When should I go to the ER?
• When should I follow up with you?
• How long might it take to feel better?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
The widespread virus known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) typically produces symptoms that resemble a cold. You have most likely experienced it at least once if you are older than five. You will usually recover at home in a few days. However, HMPV can occasionally result in major issues. Serious sickness is more likely to strike young children, persons over 65, and those with compromised immune systems. If you are worried about HMPV, speak with your healthcare professional. If you or your kid are experiencing breathing difficulties or other symptoms of a serious illness, get medical help immediately.