Human MetaPneumoVirus (hMPV) infection: what we need to know about this virus
A surge in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
in China has raised fears of another Covid-style pandemic.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory disease that
causes flu or cold-like symptoms, but can increase risks or lead to more
serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the
elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.
The disease is in the same family as respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV), and has been around since at least 2001 when it was first
identified in the Netherlands. Its outbreaks are concentrated during colder
seasons.
It is a seasonal
disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to RSV and
the flu. Fears of a Covid-style pandemic are overblown, experts say the risk of
another Covid-like pandemic is low.
The disease is already globally present and has been around
for decades. This means people across the world have "some degree of
existing immunity due to previous exposure".
HMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others
through
- secretions
from coughing and sneezing
- close
personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- touching
objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them then touching the mouth,
nose, or eyes
Who is at risk for hMPV infection?
Human metapneumovirus is a common cause of upper respiratory
infections among infants and children under 5 years old.
While anyone can catch hMPV, infants, older adults, and those
with health conditions like immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) and asthma are at higher risk for severe illness.
Extra care should be taken to protect at-risk groups and health care workers from any respiratory infections.
Doctors Liked to Read More
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the viruses that
causes the common cold (upper respiratory infection). It usually makes people
only mildly sick, but it can make some people very sick.
The virus belongs to the Pneumoviridae family
of viruses, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
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 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the most reliable
way to diagnose hMPV, giving accurate results within a few hours.
However, doctors may not suggest this test for people with
cold or flu-like symptoms as there is no specific treatment for hMPV infection
and in most cases, it causes mild disease.
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.
Preventing hMPV infection is similar to preventing other
respiratory illnesses with actions such as:
- wearing
a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces
- improving
ventilation where possible (such as by opening a window for air flow)
- cleaning
hands regularly and thoroughly, with either soap and water or an
alcohol-based hand rub
- avoiding
touching eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning hands first.
Having a strong immune system can also help fend off
infections. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping properly
help with that.
When someone is sick, they can avoid making others sick by
- staying
at home if they feel ill
- covering
nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing
- wearing
a mask when around other people
- improving
ventilation, especially in shared spaces
- regularly
cleaning hands and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
There is currently no
vaccine licensed for use against hMPV, but research is ongoing.
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