Here’s a brief article of the article about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV):
What is HMPV?
- HMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory disease.
- It was discovered in 2001 and is in the Pneumoviridae family, along with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
- Over the years, there has been a better understanding and awareness of HMPV due to broader testing.
Symptoms
- Symptoms include cough, nasal congestion, fever, and shortness of breath.
- The incubation period is 3-6 days.
- Young children and adults aged 65 and older are at highest risk of HMPV progressing to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Transmission
- HMPV can spread through:
- Secretions from coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact
- Touching objects that have the virus and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth
Seasonality
- In the US, HMPV cases typically rise in winter and decrease in spring.
- Most people are exposed to HMPV by the time they’re 5 years old.
Treatment
- There are no antivirals to treat HMPV, so treatment consists of providing supportive care to patients with moderate or severe symptoms.
- This may include:
- Bronchodilators for wheezing
- Fluids for dehydration
- Reducing fever
Prevention
- No vaccine is available to prevent HMPV.
- Prevention includes basic hygiene practices, such as:
- Washing hands with soap and water
- Covering the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Staying home when sick
- High-risk individuals (older people, those who are frail or immune-compromised) should consider wearing masks and social distancing in crowded areas.
Importance of vaccination
- Getting vaccinated against other respiratory illnesses (COVID-19, flu, RSV) can reduce the risk of co-infection and help healthcare professionals rule out certain illnesses sooner.
- Reducing the probability of co-infection is crucial during respiratory virus season.