Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. You might cough or wheeze, 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. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring. Hmpv  virus is diagnosed via, RTPCR/ Swab Test like we do in Covid 19 so, everyone knows what RTPCR – reverse transcript test polymerised chain reaction  to look at the viral particles the RNA part of this virus and RTPCR is the gold standard. If one is severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. There, healthcare providers can monitor your condition and help prevent you from getting sicker. They might treat you with:

• Oxygen therapy
•  IV fluids.
• Corticosteroids

Symptoms and Causes

Generally, people infected with hMPV will have cold or flu-like symptoms:

• cough
• fever
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body ache
• headache.

It can make a few people quite sick, causing infection of the lung (pneumonia) or inflammation of the airways to the lungs (bronchiolitis, bronchitis). Symptoms of more severe disease include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue, dehydration, or a persistent fever that does not improve. If someone is experiencing any of these severe symptoms, they should seek medical advice.

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.

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.

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.

Diagnosis and Tests

HMPV based on your symptoms and health history. They might use a soft-tipped stick (swab) to get a sample from your nose or throat. A lab tests the sample for viruses and other infections. Keep in mind that you probably won’t be tested for HMPV unless you have serious symptoms.

Sometimes, your provider may also do a bronchoscopy or chest X-rays to look for changes in the airways of your lungs.

Treatment

As hMPV is a cold virus, people can treat their symptoms with over-the-counter medicines to treat pain, fever, stuffy nose and cough. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated also helps.

Currently, there is no approved antiviral medicine for hMPV. Most people feel better in a few days. If symptoms get worse, they should contact their health care provider. Those who are at higher risk should also consult their doctor, even if their symptoms are not too bad.

In a small number of cases, when people need to be hospitalized, doctors may give them extra oxygen to help them recover.

Prevention

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.

Takeaway