Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

Table of Contents

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes infections in the upper and lower respiratory tracts such as pneumonia, flare-ups of asthma, or worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HMPV infections are more common in the winter and in early spring. Symptoms include cough, fever, and wheezing, resembling colds or flu. Severe cases may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia HMPV typically happens before the age of 5 in the children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, it spreads through respiratory droplets.

How does Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Spread?

HMPV can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or by touching infected objects. For example:

Spreads via respiratory droplets from Sneezing and coughing.
Through direct contact with infected individuals.
By touching contaminated surfaces and then the face.
Hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
Common in crowded or close-contact settings.
Touching devices or surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.

What are the symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus symptoms include:

Cough
Fever
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath
Rash

What are the complications of Human Metapneumovirus?

HMPV can lead to serious issues but the rate is rare. In some serious cases, it can turn severe and you may have to go to the hospital. These include:

Bronchiolitis
Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Flare-ups of asthma or COPD.
Ear infections, or otitis media.

HMPV contagious period

The contagious period for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) typically spans:

1-2 days before symptoms appear.

7-10 days after symptoms begin.

In some cases, immunocompromised individuals may remain contagious for a longer duration. You need to take more care and even consider hospitalization in those cases.

What causes a Human Metapneumovirus infection?

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection is caused by:

HMPV Virus: HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus in the Paramyxoviridae family.
Transmission: HMPV can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, or by touching contaminated surfaces.
Weakened Immunity: HMPV affects those with lower or weakened immunity. Children, elderly, or those with compromised immune systems should take more care.

How is Human Metapneumovirus diagnosed?

HMPV is typically diagnosed by medical professionals based on the medical history and symptoms. Common methods include nasal or throat swabs to detect viral RNA using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or viral culture. Health experts may obtain a sample from your throat or nose using a swab, which is a soft-tipped stick. The sample is then examined for viruses and other diseases in a laboratory. Diagnosis is essential in severe cases or outbreaks, particularly among high-risk groups like children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. In some severe cases, doctors may suggest an additional bronchoscopy or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities in the lungs.

Treatment and Prevention

You can reduce your chance of contracting infections of HMPV with the CDC recommended guidelines like:

Wash your hands with soap and water regularly for 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands with soap and water.
Avoid touching your face with unclean hands.
Wear masks in crowded areas during epidemics.
When you are ill, stay at home to prevent the infection from spreading.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow rather than your bare hand.
Never share food and dining utensils (spoons, cups, and forks).

FAQ

Human metapneumovirus symptoms are similar to a cold, some people may become quite sick. Young children are particularly vulnerable to serious illness because they are more likely to become very ill the first time they come into contact with HMPV. You acquire a specific immunity following your first infection, which raises the possibility that you could get mild, cold-like symptoms if you get HMPV again. Adults over 65, people with respiratory conditions, and people with weakened immune systems can also experience severe symptoms.

Human Metapneumovirus is common worldwide and primarily affects young children, with most infected by age 5. It also impacts adults, especially during winter and spring. The virus makes up for between 10% and 12% of pediatric respiratory infections. The majority of cases are mild, but between 5% and 16% of kids will get pneumonia or another lower respiratory tract infection

Risk factors for Human Metapneumovirus include young age (infants, toddlers), older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying respiratory or cardiac conditions. Crowded environments, seasonal outbreaks, and lack of prior exposure can also increase susceptibility to this respiratory virus.