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7 Ways Protect Yourself from Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Infection

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
HMPV virus
HMPV Preventing and Managing
HMPV virus symptoms
  1. How serious is HMPV and what are the symptoms?

    The symptoms of HMPV are similar to a cold or flu and it is one of several viruses often lumped under a broad definition of the “common cold”. It is not a notifiable disease like Covid-19 or influenza. There’s a range of others that are not notifiable because they are very common and lots of people get them. They make us feel terrible for a few days but if we rest and recuperate for a few days then we get better.

  2. Is human metapneumovirus just a cold?

    Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. You’re more likely to get severely sick the first time you get HMPV, which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness. You get some protection (immunity) from your first infection and then are more likely to have mild, cold-like symptoms if you get another infection. Adults over 65 and people with breathing problems or a weakened immune system may also get severe symptoms.

  3. How common is human metapneumovirus?

    Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.

  4. Is human metapneumovirus the same as RSV?

    It’s not the same, but human metapneumovirus is similar to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). It’s part of the same genus — or scientific grouping — as RSV (Pneumovirus) and can cause similar symptoms. The peak age for severe illness from HMPV is between 6 and 12 months, but RSV is more likely to cause severe illness in infants younger than 6 months.

  5. Symptoms and Causes of HMPV

    Symptoms include:
    High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit / 40 degrees Celsius),
    Cough,
    Runny or stuffy nose,
    Wheezing,
    Shortness of breath,
    Sore throat and
    Rash.

  6. What causes a human metapneumovirus infection?

    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.

  7. How is human metapneumovirus transmitted?

    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.

  8. What are the complications of human metapneumovirus?

    Sometimes HMPV causes complications. These might be serious and require you to be hospitalized. They include:
    Bronchiolitis,
    Bronchitis,
    Pneumonia.
    Asthma or COPD flare-ups,
    Ear infection (otitis media).

  9. How is human metapneumovirus treated?

    There aren’t any antiviral medications that treat human metapneumovirus. Most people can manage their symptoms at home until they feel better.
    If you or your child are 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. If you’re having a hard time breathing, a provider may give you extra oxygen through a tube in your nose or mask on your face.
    IV fluids. Fluids delivered directly to your vein (IV) can keep you hydrated.
    Corticosteroids. Steroids can reduce inflammation and might ease some of your symptoms.

  10. Do you need antibiotics for human metapneumovirus?

    No. Antibiotics only treat bacteria. Since HMPV is a virus, antibiotics won’t get rid of it. Sometimes people who get pneumonia from this disease also get a bacterial infection at the same time (secondary infection). If your provider prescribes antibiotics, it would be to treat any secondary infections.

  11. How do I get rid of HMPV?

    The CDC states that there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat this virus at the present time and no vaccine to prevent it. Medical care is supportive, which means over-the-counter cough suppressants, decongestants and pain relievers.

  12. How long can HMPV last?

    The length of an HMPV infection typically lasts anywhere from 1-2 weeks, depending upon the general health and immune system of the host. Mild Cases: The symptoms usually subside in a matter of 7-10 days. Severe Cases: Recovery may be longer if there are any complications, such as pneumonia.

  13. Can you get HMPV twice?

    You can get sick with this virus more than once. In Wisconsin, it is most common in the late winter and spring. During these seasons, it’s especially important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

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