What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that commonly causes signs similar to the common cold. It also causes upper respiratory infections, later onwards it may also cause lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. This HMPV infection is more common during the winter and early spring season.
Most people get HMPV before they reach the age 5. People can get HMPV infection again, but the signs are commonly mild after their first infection.
In the year 2020, the whole world will never forget one virus name called Coronavirus. This virus swallowed many people’s lives and caused bad economic conditions around the world. People will never easily pass that pandemic duration. People are in quarantine and the whole world is in full lockdown for a few months. The origin of Coronavirus from the country China.
Once the coronavirus (COVID-19) effect was weak, some other virus spread from one country to another country. But all these virus effects are gone from people’s lives. We will see in depth about the new virus name called human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Is human metapneumovirus just a cold?
Human metapneumovirus most commonly causes signs similar to a cold, but few people can get very sick. People are likely to get severely sick the first time they get HMPV infection, which is why small age kids have a greater health risk for serious illness.
Kids get some protection (immunity power) from first infection and then are more likely to have mild, cold-like signs if they get another HMPV infection. Teens, Adults over 65 age and people with breathing health issues or having a poor immune system may also get severe warning signs and symptoms.
How common is human metapneumovirus?
According to health research reports, about 10 to 12 percent of respiratory illnesses in kids are caused by HMPV infection. Most number of cases are very mild, but about 5 percent to 16 percent of children will have a high chance to develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.
Is human metapneumovirus the same as RSV?
Some people have doubts “ Is human metapneumovirus the same as RSV?” The answer is It’s not the same, but human metapneumovirus is similar to Respiratory syncytial virus. It is just part of the same genus as Respiratory syncytial virus (Pneumovirus), and can cause similar warning signs and symptoms. The HMPV is causing more illness between 6 months to 12 months, but Respiratory syncytial virus is more likely to cause more illness in infants younger than 6 months.
What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus?
HMPV reveals some symptoms in the early stage. People should be alert about these symptoms and taking immediate action will help to halt the bad effect caused by HMPV in their body.
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:
- Cough.
- Fever.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Sore throat.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Rash.
What causes a human metapneumovirus infection?
A virus — a tiny germ that uses cells from the people to make more copies of itself — causes HMPV. This HMPV is a part of the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps.
How is human metapneumovirus Spread?
HMPV is easily spread through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with this virus. For instance:
- Coughing
- Sneezing.
- Shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
- Touching surfaces or objects like Smartphones, tablets, door handles, keyboards, clothes, keys, toys, etc.
Risk factors for human metapneumovirus?
Anyone can get HMPV, but this virus causes a higher risk for severe illness for certain reasons. They are:-
- Younger than 5 years old or older than 65 years.
- Poor immune level in the body.
- Reducing immune system power due to some health conditions such as HIV, cancer, autoimmune disorders, medications that suppress the immune system.
- Asthma Disease or COPD.
Difficulty of human metapneumovirus?
HMPV causes several complications. People may be serious and require to be hospitalized. They include:
- Bronchiolitis.
- Bronchitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Asthma or COPD.
- Ear infection.
Treatment for human metapneumovirus?
There are no antiviral medicine products that treat human metapneumovirus. Several people can easily manage their symptoms at home until they feel better.
If a child is severely ill, they are admitted to the hospital immediately. Healthcare providers can monitor child condition and help prevent the child from getting sicker. Healthcare treat the patient with some treatment :
- Oxygen therapy – Patients having a hard time breathing, a health care provider gives extra oxygen through a tube in the nose or mask on face.
- IV fluids – Health care providers giving fluids delivered directly to the vein (IV) can keep hydrated.
- Corticosteroids – Using steroids can decrease inflammation and reduce some symptoms.
Prevention Methods
People can prevent a human metapneumovirus infection by following simple methods. They are:
- Always wash hands often with soap and water. People who are not able to use soap and water regularly, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as an easy hand washing method.
- Cover nose and mouth — Always cover with elbow, not bare hand — when sneezing or cough.
- People should better avoid being around other people when they are sick with a cold or other contagious diseases.
- Always wear a mask if they are sick and can’t avoid social gatherings.
- People should avoid touching their face, eyes, nose and mouth when they are suffering from human metapneumovirus.
- Please avoid sharing food or eating utensils such as forks, spoons, cups with others.
