Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

• What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) ?

• How Common Is HMPV ?

• Who Is at Risk of Human Metapneumovirus Infections ?

• Is Human Metapneumovirus Contagious ?

• How Does Human Metapneumovirus Spread ?

• Symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus

• How Serious Is Human Metapneumovirus ?

• Human Metapneumovirus vs. COVID-19

• Diagnosis of Human Metapneumovirus

• Can Human Metapneumovirus Infections be Prevented ?

• Summary

• Human Metapneumovirus FAQs

• Treatment of Human Metapneumovirus

What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) ?

Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV is a kind of common respiratory virus. It is a member of the pneumoviridae family of viruses, which also includes the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

For a few days, you may experience mild cold-like symptoms like coughing, sneezing, a running nose, or sore throat if you have HMPV. Rarely, you may experience more severe symptoms, particularly if you have other risk factors or a compromised immune system. Anyone can get it, but people who are very young or elderly are more likely to get infected.

How Common Is HMPV ?

HMPV is quite common. According to research, the majority of people are likely to get infected at least once before the age of five. Throughout your life, you may become infected more than once. Human metapneumovirus accounts for approximately 10% of all respiratory infections in children. HMPV can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable than others.

Anyone can get HMPV, but these groups are at a higher risk:-

• Infants.
• Children who are 5 or younger.
• People over 65.
• Steroid using Asthmatics.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients.
• People who have had an organ transplant or who have a compromised immune system as a result of diseases like HIV or cancer.

Is Human Metapneumovirus Contagious ?

Human metapneumovirus is contagious, just like any other virus, so if you come into contact with someone who has it, you could contract it yourself. It is seasonal as well, so, you have a higher chance of contracting HMPV during the winter or early spring, which coincides with the flu season.

How Does Human Metapneumovirus Spread ?

The main way that the virus spreads is through close contact with an infected individual. The following could expose you to the virus:-

• Touching infected surfaces.
• Touching your nose, mouth, or eyes after coming in contact with contaminated surfaces.
• Coming in contact with an infected person's droplets discharged while coughing, spitting, or sneezing.
• Direct contact by touching or shaking hands.
• The incubation period, or the interval between exposure to the onset of symptoms, is three to six days after the human metapneumovirus enters your body.

Symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus

Most symptoms of HMPV are not severe and may consist of:-

• Nasal congestion.
• Coughing.
• Fever.
• Running nose.
• Sore throat.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Loose motions.

Usually, these disappear in two to five days. However, in certain situations, they may worsen and result in major health problems. Human metapneumovirus can occasionally cause a severe middle ear infection in adults with other medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Inform your doctor if your symptoms worsen or persist for longer than two weeks.

How Serious Is Human Metapneumovirus ?

Some individuals may experience more severe HMPV symptoms, like:-

• Flare-ups of Asthma.
• Coughing.
• Wheezing.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Breathlessness.
• Easy fatiguability.
• Bronchitis.
• Severe bronchiolitis - This chest infection, which is most common in children, can occasionally cause death.
• Pneumonia.

Infants younger than a year may struggle to feed properly. According to studies, between 5% and 10% of pediatric hospitalizations are caused by HMPV infections. Up to 16% of them may experience a serious complication, such as pneumonia, according to data.

Inform your physician or seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe symptoms. In order for doctors to closely monitor your symptoms, you may need to get admitted in the hospital.

Human Metapneumovirus vs. COVID-19

A runny nose, coughing, fever, congestion, sore throat, and shortness of breath are common symptoms of both COVID-19 (click and read about that: Coronavirus) and human metapneumovirus, two infectious respiratory diseases. They also spread in comparable ways. Both can result in hospitalization in the most severe cases. However, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for HMPV, unlike COVID-19. Unlike COVID-19, which can occasionally spread throughout the year due to the emergence of new variants, HMPV is a seasonal virus that usually manifests in the winter and spring.

According to studies, following the COVID-19 pandemic, HMPV incidences tripled in some countries. People were less susceptible to respiratory diseases of all kinds when COVID-19 prevention measures were fully implemented. Respiratory diseases like HMPV increased after these measures were relaxed.

Diagnosis of Human Metapneumovirus

In addition to performing a thorough physical examination, your doctor will usually inquire about your personal and family medical histories.

Swabs from your mouth, throat, or nose might be taken. To check for the virus, they may request a laboratory test known as a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or rapid antigen test.

Your doctor might perform a bronchoscopy if you or your child are experiencing severe symptoms during which procedure a thin tube with a camera on the tip is inserted through your throat to gather a fluid sample to test for the virus.

Can Human Metapneumovirus Infections be Prevented ?

HMPV cannot be prevented with any vaccine. However, there are ways to help protect yourself and prevent infection because it spreads through close contact.

You can reduce the danger to both yourself and other people by:-

• Keeping away from sick people.
• Prior to touching your mouth, eyes, or nose, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Maintaining up-to-date immunizations and scheduling routine checkups with your physician.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth. Avoid coughing near people and try coughing into your elbow.
• Sanitizing or wiping your hands with alcohol after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoiding contact with frequently touched objects, such as doorknobs or handrails.

Summary

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) causes cold-like respiratory symptoms. The symptoms of HMPV are usually mild, and the majority of cases occur before the age of five. However, individuals with compromised immune systems, adults over 65, and infants under 12 months are at risk for developing a more severe illness. Although HMPV and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) belong to the same virus family, they are not the same.

Human Metapneumovirus FAQs

How long are you contagious with HMPV ?

The development of HMPV takes roughly three to six days, and symptoms last between two and seven days, which is about the same period of time of infection as other mild respiratory viruses.

Can you get HMPV twice ?

It is possible to get it more than once, but symptoms usually subside after the initial episode.

How do you get tested for HMPV ?

Typically, you are not tested for HMPV unless your symptoms are severe. Your doctor will usually swab your throat or nose to obtain a sample if you are tested. Your doctor may occasionally prescribe a bronchoscopy or chest X-ray.

How long does it take to recover from HMPV ?

Recovery from HMPV typically takes a few days to a week if your case is not serious. Coughing and other symptoms might persist a little longer. If a fever persists for more than three days or if your child's symptoms don't improve after a few days, give your doctor a call.

Treatment of Human Metapneumovirus

No particular remedy or cure exists in the conventional mode of treatment. You will only require supportive care to manage your symptoms while you recover because the majority of them are minor and resolve on their own.

Meanwhile, you can do the following to help manage your symptoms (after consultation with your general physician):-

• To relieve symptoms like fever, pain, and coughing, take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.
• To relieve stuffiness or a running nose, use decongestants.
• For respiratory issues like wheezing or cough, use an inhaler.
• To relieve pressure inside your nose, use a nasal spray that contains corticosteroids.

To help with inflammation, your doctor might also recommend a steroid, such as prednisone.

Homoeopathic Treatment
Conventional treatments do not have a cure for HMPV, but Homeopathy can heal even the infected patient, whether that person is still symptomless or has many symptoms and signs. Only a Qualified, licensed, Board certified Homeopathic doctor should be consulted for the HMPV for a tailor made prescription based on the symptoms and signs - no self medication will help!

Preventatives: There are preventative medicines for HMPV as well in Homeopathy!

What is the best cure for Human Metapneumovirus in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best cure for Human Metapneumovirus in Bangalore.

What is the best Human Metapneumovirus treatment in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best Human Metapneumovirus treatment in Bangalore.

What is the best cure for HMPV in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best cure for HMPV in Bangalore.

What is the best HMPV treatment in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best HMPV treatment in Bangalore.

What is the best cure for HMP Virus in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best cure for HMP Virus in Bangalore.

What is the best HMP Virus treatment in Bangalore ?

Homeopathy has the best HMP Virus treatment in Bangalore.

Please E-mail dr_ramanand@rediffmail.com for any questions/ treatment.