Understanding hMPV: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options

Public health authorities such as the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are concerned about the increasing number of cases of human metapneumovirus disease ( hMPV) since the beginning of 2023. According to CDC specialists in May that there was a peak in the number of cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV). hMPV is very similar to a cold. Among the most common symptoms we list: nasal secretions, pain in the mind, cough. Who is at risk for hMPV? What treatments are there? What happens to people with weakened immune systems who become infected with hMPV?

What is hMPV? The medical definition says that human metapneumovirus, more commonly called hMPV, is a virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is part of the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Since the discovery of hMPV, it is now considered the second or third leading cause of viral lower respiratory tract infections and viral pneumonia in children who require medical attention, pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Michael Chang told Healthline at UT Health Houston and at Children’s Memorial Hermann. In certain cases of hMPV, more severe symptoms may also occur: bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma exacerbation, croup. Young children are more affected and even require hospitalization. In extreme cases, the patient may even need intensive therapy. It has been reported that in some patients, ear symptoms may also occur. Lower respiratory tract disease can be severe enough to require hospitalization and even intensive care in rare cases. What are the common symptoms?

hMPV (human metapneumovirus) symptoms and common signs

“The vast majority of patients with acute hMPV infection are children and will have the most common upper respiratory symptoms; runny nose, cough, fever. Occasionally, pink eye from hMPV can be seen,” Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease expert at UTHealth Houston and Children’s Memorial Hermann, told Healthline Doctors report the following hMPV symptoms in children:

• cough
• fever
• nasal congestion
• neck pain

hMPV symptoms in adults

Doctors point out that there may be differences between adults and children even if they are infected with hMPV. “Adults with hMPV infection may have viral pneumonia, worsening asthma, or symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Adults can get bronchitis,” explained Dr. Chang. In general, hMPV infection closely resembles upper respiratory tract infections.

How do you tell if it’s the common cold or hMPV?

Generally, no testing is required. But if necessary, tests can be done in the nose and throat. “Also, testing for hMPV is not as common in the outpatient setting, and many hospitals do not test hMPV for inpatients either. Testing is done in the form of a nasal swab to look for viral genetic material by PCR.”

How to treat hMPV

There are currently no specific antiviral treatments for hMPV. As with common colds, treat the symptoms. Adequate hydration, fever reduction are indicated. Greater attention must be given to infants and small children, in their case additional oxygen administration is required.

“Symptoms usually go away with rest and over-the-counter treatments similar to those for the common cold. Any patient with a severe infection, including difficulty breathing, should seek medical attention promptly,” Ogunseitan told the same publication. Among the hygiene measures that are required are: washing and disinfecting hands, wearing a medical mask.

Risk categories for complications due to hMPV

Children younger than 2 years, children with underlying diseases such as history of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital heart disease, asthma and weakened immune system are at higher risk for complications. Also, patients over the age of 65 with underlying chronic heart or lung disease, including asthma and COPD, or who have a weakened immune system are at increased risk of severe forms.

When the number of hMPV infections increases

“Like RSV and influenza, hMPV also has annual epidemics in late winter and early spring, usually 1-2 months after RSV and influenza season. For any respiratory viral season (October to April), hMPV is responsible for a proportion of respiratory infections. Specifically, for 5% and 10% of symptomatic respiratory viral infections, although this percentage will be higher during the peak hMPV season,” added Chang.

Why do we risk more colds during this period?

Giving up social distancing, giving up medical masks in public spaces are welcome. But, perhaps you have noticed a greater number of illnesses, colds lately? Here is a plausible explanation. “Many viruses that infect humans to cause respiratory illnesses similar to the common cold may have increased in recent months because most parts of the world have gone through a hibernation (lockdown) for the past two years, and many of these viruses have not been circulating in the population.” , Ogunseitan told the same source. “We did not acquire the types of natural immunity that could have avoided infection. When people started mingling and traveling recently, these infections skyrocketed.”

source: CDC SUA,

Healthline

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