Understanding HMPV: A Respiratory Virus You Need to Know About

01/21/2025

What is the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus)?

Human Metapneumovirus, abbreviated as HMPV, is one of the common types of respiratory virus that often results in symptoms similar to the common cold. In most cases, this condition usually induces upper respiratory infection, but it may sometimes result in lower respiratory infection, including pneumonia and asthma flare-ups. The highest number of cases associated with HMPV are usually reported in the winter and early spring seasons.

This condition is classified under the group of viruses called pneumoviridae, which is the same group where the respiratory syncytial virus is also classified. When under mild HMPV, you may stumble upon signs such as runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, etc. On the other hand, you are prone to encounter serious symptoms of it if you are immunocompromised or aged 65 years and older. 

The majority of people get this virus at least once before they hit a mark of 5 years. Also, you can redevelop it later, but the symptoms remain mild after the first infection.

Is HMPV a Type of Cold?

Both conditions, HMPV and cold, induce identical symptoms. However, people diagnosed with HMPV can get very sick over time, especially if they have a weakened immune system or are either children or older adults. The chances of getting severely sick are higher when you contract this infection for the first time. Your body develops immunity against HMPV after experiencing it once, meaning that if you reencounter it in the future, you will likely experience milder symptoms. You are susceptible to coming across severe symptoms again if:

• You have a weakened immune system

• You are aged 65 years and above

• If you are a child aged below 5 years

What are the Common Symptoms of HMPV?

This respiratory virus can result in a wide range of symptoms. The number of symptoms and their intensities may vary among sufferers. People in the risk groups are more inclined to encounter serious symptoms than people who are not. The following are the common HMPV symptoms that you may encounter: 

• Cough

• Fever

• Wheezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Rash

• Shortness of breath

Upon encountering these symptoms, you should get in touch with a healthcare provider. The symptoms may worsen over time if not treated well. The chances of symptoms worsening are higher in people who are in risk groups.

Who is Prone to Develop Human Metapneumovirus Infections? 

Anyone can come across this virus regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, race, etc.; however, some people are more prone to it than others. If you stand in line with any of the below-listed age groups, you are at greater risk of stumbling upon it: 

• Children under the age of 5 years

• Newborns

• People aged 65 years and above

• People living with asthma who use steroids

• People diagnosed with COPD

• Persons with a weakened immune system

If you align with any of the above-listed age groups, you are required to follow the necessary preventive measures in order to reduce your risk of contracting it.

How common is HMPV Infection?

HMPV virus is the acronym for Human Metapneumovirus, which is accountable for 10 to 12% of respiratory illnesses in kids. 90% of people will have this infection at least once before they turn 5. You can get this infection multiple times in your life, but symptoms remain milder as compared to the first time getting this infection. Out of all cases in children, around 5 to 16% of children encounter a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia.

As listed earlier, anyone can come across this infection, but specific groups are at higher risk. If you belong to a group with a higher risk, you are bound to follow the necessary precautions.

Is HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) Contagious?

Yes, HMPV is also a contagious virus, which can easily spread from one person to another. The chances of contracting it increase if you establish contact with someone who has already been infected. The cases associated with this virus usually rise during winter and early spring months in the United States of America. Therefore, it is also seasonal. You may end up catching this virus if you: 

• Build close physical contact with people infected with it, such as handshakes and shaking

• Touch surfaces that hold the virus

• Touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after touching the areas infected with the virus

• Get in touch with droplets from the infected people through sneezing, coughing, or spitting

Once you are exposed to the virus, the first symptoms associated with it may take three to six days to appear.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Catching Human Metapneumovirus Infections?

At present, there is no vaccine available to prevent HMPV. Since close contact remains the primary source of transmission, by opting for the following ways, you can reduce your risk of catching this infection:

• Maintaining a distance from people who are already infected

• Frequently washing your hands with soap & water

• Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth

• Covering your face, mouth, and nose while sneezing and coughing

• Use alcohol wipes and alcohol-based sanitizer to clean your hands after sneezing and coughing

• Refrain from touching high-contact surfaces such as doorknobs and hand railings

Is There any Treatment for HMPV?

There is no antiviral medication available to treat HMPV. Most cases of it can be managed at home without any special medical attention. Just in case you or your loved one get severely sick, you are required to admit them to the hospital. The healthcare providers will help prevent symptoms from worsening. They may also give you:

Oxygen therapy: If you are unable to breathe properly, you might be given extra oxygen either via a tube in your nose or a mask on your face.

IV fluids: Fluids transferred to your vein directly will keep you hydrated.

Corticosteroids: Using steroids can diminish inflammation and ease a wide range of symptoms.

Conclusion

HMPV is a common virus responsible for about 1 in 10 respiratory infections in children. It usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. Most people typically get it before the age of 5 years, but the symptoms are usually mild. However, people with weakened immune systems, adults over 65 years, and babies under 12 months are more susceptible to coming across severe symptoms. Get support from your healthcare provider if you come across HMPV symptoms. Sometimes, HMPV causes serious symptoms that may need immediate care.

FAQs:

1. How do I get rid of hMPV?

HMPV comes as a common respiratory virus that leads to symptoms similar to the common cold. In order to treat associated symptoms, you can use over-the-counter medicines. OTC medicines will help you get rid of fever, stuffy nose, and cough. In addition to this, take plenty of rest and stay hydrated all the time. At present, no antiviral medicine has been approved by the FDA for HMPV.

2. How long does it take for hMPV to go away?

The incubation period for the HMPV virus is three to five days. However, the symptoms induced by HMPV will take one or two weeks to go away only if you follow precautions. The symptoms may take longer to waive off if you are immunocompromised or have other serious conditions. You may need extra support as well to manage complications.

3. Is hMPV highly contagious?

HMPV is highly contagious and can spread from one person to another through close physical contact. You may develop this infection if you establish close contact with the infected person or touch things and surfaces already contaminated.

4. Can you catch hMPV twice?

The highest number of cases of this virus are reported in the spring and winter seasons. This virus usually happens in most people before they turn 5. You can develop this again as well, but the symptoms are mild after the first infection.