Is hMPV New?
NO!
In 2001, researchers in the Netherlands discovered hMPV in a pediatric patient. However, studies on hMPV suggest that it has been around for decades. Since its first discovery, hMPV has been detected in 416% of pediatric patients with ARTI. Several studies have indicated that hMPV is highly prevalent worldwide.
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How Common Is hMPV?
hMPV has been reported across all continents and has a seasonal occurrence. As many as 90–100 children have already been infected by the age of 5–10 years, but re-infection may occur multiple times in adulthood. Anyone can get hMPV, but some people are more at risk.
Who Is At Risk?
- Infants (especially preterm babies)
- Children below the age of 5
- Adults above 65 years of age
- Immunocompromised individuals (HIV, autoimmune disorders, cancer, or any other medical condition that requires medicines that suppress the immune system).
- People with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
What Are The Symptoms Of hMPV?
Most hMPV infections cause mild symptoms like:
- Fever
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
hMPV symptoms may last for 5-10 days but then usually resolve on their own. However, in some cases, especially among the at-risk population, the symptoms may worsen, leading to associated complications.
What Are The Complications of hMPV Infection?
In severe cases, hMPV can cause serious respiratory illnesses requiring hospitalization. Potential complications include:
- Bronchiolitis
- Bronchitis
- Worsening of asthma and COPD
- Pneumonia
- Ear infection (otitis media)
How Does hMPV Infection Spread?
The virus usually spreads when you come in direct contact with an infected person. The following methods can expose you to the virus:
- Touching surfaces that contain the virus and then touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
- Close contact with an infected individual (e.g., Handshake, hugging or kissing)
- Exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected individual through coughing, sneezing, and spitting.
- Once exposed, the incubation period (time between exposure and symptom onset) is around 3–5 days.
How Can You Keep Yourself Safe?
There are no vaccines for hMPV. However, by following these simple measures, one can reduce their chances of exposure and subsequent infection:
- Stay away from infected individuals.
- Wash your hands regularly and properly (remember the 20-second scrubbing protocol that was circulated during the COVID-19 pandemic)
- When outside, carry a sanitizer at all times. Sanitize your hands when you do not have access to soap and water.
- High-risk individuals may consider wearing a mask in crowded places.
- Keep all vaccinations up to date. While no vaccine exists for hMPV, flu and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for high-risk individuals to prevent co-infections.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use the inside of your elbow instead of your hands to reduce the spread of germs.
- Avoid touching high-contact surfaces like handrails and doorknobs in public places.
Please note: The safety measures emphasized during COVID-19 remain useful beyond the pandemic, as they effectively reduce the risk of exposure to various viruses and infections.
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How is hMPV Infection Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and take your medical history. In case of severe hMPV symptoms, your doctor may recommend the following tests to confirm:
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction test—highly sensitive test to detect hMPV.
- Rapid Antigen Test—quicker method to confirm infection.
HRCT or a chest X-ray may be recommended. A bronchoscopy may be recommended by your doctor in severe cases of persistent respiratory distress.
Why HMPV Is Not A Scary Virus?
When hMPV symptoms are mild, they usually resolve on their own. You can try to manage your symptoms at home with some basic supportive care, such as:
- Taking over-the-counter medication for pain, fever, and cough.
- Increase your fluid intake with warm beverages such as soup, herbal tea, or plain warm water to soothe the throat and stay hydrated. Steam inhalation may help clear out your nasal passages.
- You may take decongestants to help with stuffiness.
- Use nasal sprays to relieve a stuffy nose.
- MOST importantly, proper rest and nutrition help the body fight infection.
What Are The Treatment Options In Case Of Severe hMPV Infection?
No cure or antiviral therapy is available. hMPV treatment options are primarily for symptom management and are supportive.
To treat severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend hospitalization, where you will be monitored by medical professionals and given:
- Oxygen therapy may be given in case of trouble breathing leading to hypoxia.
- IV fluids will be administered for hydration
- You may be prescribed corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, which may help reduce your symptoms.
Conclusion
There is no need to panic! hMPV is not a new virus, nor does it pose a pandemic threat. In most cases, infections are mild and can be managed effectively with basic home care. Hospitalization is only required for severe cases, particularly in high-risk individuals.
The best way to prevent viral infections, including hMPV infections, is by practicing excellent hygiene, such as regular handwashing, avoiding touching your face in public, and maintaining respiratory etiquette. High-risk individuals should take extra precautions during seasonal changes and adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the HMPV spread?
HMPV spreads by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may also spread by contact with virus-infected surfaces. Basic hygiene practices, such as handwashing and avoiding contact with patients, significantly reduce the risk of infection.
- Is there a vaccination for HMPV?
There are no antivirals designed particularly for HMPV. There are currently no vaccinations designed particularly for HMPV. However, research is underway to create effective vaccinations.
- How can I avoid HMPV infections?
Good hygiene measures may help prevent HMPV infections, such as regular handwashing, covering your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing, wearing masks in public areas, and avoiding direct contact with ill people.
- How can a person undergo a human metapneumovirus test?
You are frequently not tested for HMPV unless your symptoms are severe. An HRCT or chest X-ray may be recommended by your physician in severe cases.
- How long does it take to recover from the HMPV?
Healing from HMPV typically requires a few days to a week if the case is not severe. Symptoms of HMPV, including wheezing, may persist for an extended period. Please contact your physician immediately if you or your child’s symptoms do not improve within a few days or if a fever persists for more than three days.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7128939/
- Human metapneumovirus: review of an important respiratory pathogen; Panda, Swagatika et al.
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 25, 45 – 52