HMPV, short for human metapneumovirus, is a virus that can cause a flu-like respiratory infection. It is associated with mild symptoms like a cough, fever, stuffy nose or shortness of breath, but it can lead to a more serious infection, such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis or asthma attacks.

HMPV belongs to the same family of viruses as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Pneumoviridae. It is easily transmitted from one person to another through direct contact or inhalation of respiratory droplets.

HMPV treatment is carried out by an infectious disease specialist, general practitioner or lung specialist, who will advise rest, hydration and medication to relieve symptoms. More serious cases require hospitalization for closer monitoring and targeted treatment.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of human metapneumovirus are:

Cough
Fever or chills
Runny or stuffy nose
Shortness of breath

These symptoms may appear about 3 to 6 days after initial exposure to HMPV

Symptoms of HMPV are generally mild and affect the upper respiratory tract, similar to a flu.

However, it can develop into pneumonia or cause asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations. Therefore, patients with HMPV and have a history of respiratory diseases should see a doctor promptly for assessment.

Symptoms of HMPV in children

Symptoms of HMPV in children are:

Wheezing when breathing;
Fever
Cough
Rapid breathing
Purple fingers and mouth

In children, the infection can be more serious and affect the lower respiratory tract, developing into bronchiolitis, pneumonia, croup or asthma attacks.

It is important to take your child to the emergency room if you notice severe symptoms of HMPV as listed above, as the child may require hospitalization.

Confirming a diagnosis

An HMPV infection is confirmed by a pediatrician, infectious disease specialist or general practitioner through an assessment of your symptoms, health history and a physical examination.

To confirm a diagnosis, the doctor may order an RT-PCR test, which is carried out by collecting a sample of nasal secretion with a cotton swab.

To evaluate the airways and determine whether the patient has developed pneumonia or bronchiolitis, the doctor may order tests like a chest X-ray or bronchoscopy.

How it spreads

Human metapneumovirus is transmitted through:

Direct contact with people who are infected
Inhalation of saliva droplets or nasal secretions released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks
Touching a surface contaminated by the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

When you have contact with HMPV, the incubation period is generally 3 to 5 days, from which symptoms will gradually develop.

Anyone infected with HMPV can transmit this virus, even during the incubation period when they are asymptomatic.

Is HMPV serious?

Although the human metapneumovirus is easily transmitted, it does not always develop into pneumonia. Most times, people infected with HMPV will have mild cold or flu symptoms, and are able to recover from it on their own.

However, in children, the elderly or people with a compromised immune system, HMPV can spread to the lungs, causing a more serious infection.

Treatment options

Treatment for HMPV should be guided by a family doctor, infectious disease specialist, or pediatrician. It often involves supportive measures and symptom management, and does not require a specific treatment approach.

The main treatment measures for HMPV are:

1. Rest

Resting is important to help strengthen the body so that the immune system is able to eliminate the virus more quickly. Generally, you should rest for as long as you have symptoms.

2. Isolation

Isolation is recommended to prevent the transmission of HMPV to others.

You should avoid going into work or taking your child to school for up to 24 hours after the fever has resolved. Isolation should only be ended when all symptoms are notably improved.

If hospitalization is necessary, isolation precautions should be initiated to prevent transmission to other patients and health care professionals.

3. Increased fluid intake

Increasing fluid intake is important for maintaining hydration. This is especially important for children and older adults, who are susceptible to dehydration from a fever.

Drinking more fluids in the form of water, natural and unsweetened juices, teas, smoothies and soups, can also strengthen the immune system to eliminate HMPV more quickly.

4. Medications

Medications for metapneumovirus may be advised by your doctor to help relieve. There are no specific medications available to eliminate HMPV from the body.

The medications your doctor may prescribe to relieve HMPV-related symptoms include:

Analgesics and antipyretics, such as acetaminophen, to reduce fever;
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve muscle aches or headaches;
Antihistamines, such as loratadine, to relieve nasal congestion;
Inhaled or oral corticosteroids to relieve respiratory symptoms.

It is important to avoid prescribing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin or ASA) to your baby or child as it can cause Reye's syndrome.

Antibiotics are not indicated for HMPV treatment as it has no action against viruses. However, if a person develops a secondary bacterial infection, the doctor may opt to prescribe antibiotics.

5. Hospital admission

In more serious cases of HMPV, admission to a hospital for IV medication or oxygen therapy may be needed.

In cases of acute respiratory failure (especially in people with a history of respiratory disease, cardiac diseases, or a compromised immune system) mechanical ventilation may also be necessary.

How to prevent

To prevent human metapneumovirus, it is recommended to:

Avoid contact with people suspected of having HMPV;
Always cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a disposable tissue that should then be discarded;
Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, even if you have used a disposable tissue;
Avoid touching surfaces and touching your eyes, mouth or nose;
Avoid sharing personal objects or toys;
Avoid staying in a closed environmen with reduced air airculation for prolonged periods of time.

In addition, you should wash your hands regularly, using water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing, in order to prevent getting HMPV and transmitting to others.