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Human Metapneumovirus: A Diagnosis and Treatment

Human Metapneumovirus: A Diagnosis and Treatment
Kevin Cleary

Key Takeaways:

  1. HMPV can cause respiratory disease and breathing difficulties.
  2. Cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath are all symptoms of HMPV.
  3. Human Metapneumovirus spreads through person to person or persons touching contaminated surfaces.
  4. Your physician can test for HMPV but there is no treatment.
  5. Preventative measures can help hinder the spread of HMPV and HPFY has everything to help you avoid Human Metapneumovirus.

 

The winter and cold weather is obviously cold and flu season but Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease. This is not only something that affects those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems, young children, or elderly. It affects people of all ages. Let me explain what Human Metapneumovirus is, how it’s diagnosed, and methods for treating and/or avoiding it altogether.

Human Metapneumovirus? What is this?

In recent years I’m sure you’ve heard of influenza or Covid-19 but Human Metapneumovirus is probably new to you. What exactly is it? HMPV is in the pneumoviridae family along with more common viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It was discovered in 2001 and with wider use of molecular diagnostic testing identification and awareness of HMPV, the identification and awareness that HMPV is a major cause of upper and lower respiratory illness has improved.

Metapneumovirus Symptoms

The common symptoms of HMPV can include:

  • Fever
  • Nasal congestion
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea) or difficulty breathing
  • Runny/stuffy nose
  • Short throat
  • Wheezing

These symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus infection can progress to respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or even pneumonia. HMPV can cause asthma flareups and make COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) worse. It takes approximately 3-6 days for HMPV to incubate in infected people and the duration of this illness can last depends upon the severity but is typical of other respiratory infections. Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, or ear infections can all be complications from hmpv virus.

How Is Human Metapneumovirus Spread?

As with any other virus, understanding how HMPV is spread can minimize your exposure to it. HMPV is typically spread from someone who is infected through:

  • Airborne secretions from coughing or sneezing
  • Personal contact (touching, shaking hands, hugging etc.)
  • Touching surfaces infected by the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

Just as flu season has an annual period, so does HMPV. In the United States, HMPV typically begins to circulate in winter when we are all inside and lasts through the spring. This is also when influenza and RSV can be prevalent. Some researchers estimate that approximately 10%-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most of these can be mild cases but 5%-16% of these children can develop lower respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. I don’t need to tell you that is…bad!!

Treatment & Prevention Strategies

Treatments for HMPV typically revolve around symptom alleviation. This is due to the fact that HMPV typically clears up on its own. Normally this means the use of OTC medications such as:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Cough syrup
  • Decongestant

For those that may experience more severe coughing or wheezing, the use of a temporary inhaler may be suggested by your doctor. They may prescribe an inhaled corticosteroid or stronger medication such as prednisone. The best way to treat hmpv virus is taking preventative measures. The easiest and best place to start is washing your hands properly/frequently while using an antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds. Also, avoid contact with those infected and if you’re sick stay home to avoid making others ill. Anyone with underlying respiratory issues should also be up to date with all their vaccinations. Our site www.healthproductsforyou.com has a wide variety of products that can help you prevent or minimize the risk of contracting HMPV. Many of these products include:

  1. Facemasks: Using facemasks is the best way to avoid inhaling/exhaling any airborne particulates that may be laden with the virus. Using a surgical mask when in public is a good idea but using N95 masks provide greater protection.
  2. Hand soap/sanitizer: The frontline in preventing HMPV is washing your hands thoroughly and properly for 20 seconds. At minimum you should be washing your hands with an antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer can be taken with you in public to prevent the spread of the virus.
  3. Disinfectants: Since the virus can linger on surfaces, it’s critical that you clean using disinfectants during HMPV season. Be sure to stock disinfectants that can be sprayed on surfaces or wipes for portability. These germicidal disinfectants can help sterilize potentially contaminated surfaces that can be touched by you or your children and spread HMPV.
  4. Infection Control: Healthcare workers are on the front lines and deal with a number of potentially dangerous infections such as HMPV. Gloves, both latex and latex free, should be regular PPE as well as masks or even gowns to protect yourself. Medical scrubs are another good line of defense for healthcare workers to avoid contaminating your everyday clothes.

Our Best Products to Help Prevent HMPV Virus

When to Seek Medical Attention

As with any other respiratory virus, HMPV, while typically mild for most, can be dangerous to those with compromised immune systems, young children, and adults over 65. You should see your physician if your symptoms linger or get worse. Your physician may need to prescribe an inhaler or antibiotics, but only for secondary infections like pneumonia. Antibiotics only treat bacteria and HMPV is a virus.

References:

  1. About Human Metapneumoviruss
  2. Metapneumovirus - Symptoms & Treatment
  3. Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) Treatment and Recovery
  4. What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, ...

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