What is hMPV? Symptoms, causes & treatment options
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that is part of the Pneumoviridae family, similar to the virus that causes pneumonia. The hMPV virus spreads primarily during the colder months and causes upper and lower respiratory symptoms in people of all ages. It can cause more severe symptoms in older adults, young children, or those with weakened immune systems.
With cold and flu season approaching, staying informed about the circulating illnesses in the winter months is important. What is human metapneumovirus? Here is what you need to know about hMPV symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Common hMPV symptoms
HMPV symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections, like the common cold. These may include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
Symptoms typically last two to five days and, with some rest and at-home care, will go away on their own. Small children could be at risk of developing more severe cases of hMPV that can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, or even hospitalization.
How does hMPV spread?
HMPV is spread from person to person, similar to other respiratory viruses. It can spread when you are in close contact with an infected person. Some ways it can be transmitted include:
- Close contact, like touching or shaking hands
- Coughing or sneezing
- Touching objects with the virus, then touching your mouth, eyes or nose
The incubation period is three to six days, meaning you can be contagious before symptoms show up, which makes it difficult to know if you are near someone with hMPV.
When should you visit an urgent care center for hMPV?
Typically, hMPV doesn’t require any medical treatment, and symptoms should resolve independently for most healthy people.
If you begin to notice more severe symptoms in yourself, your child, or an immune-compromised loved one, you may want to consider getting medical attention at an urgent care. We can treat most symptoms caused by hMPV at urgent care.
The hMPV symptoms that may need medical care include:
- Asthma flare-ups
- Bronchitis
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Pneumonia
- Wheezing
When it comes to needing medical attention for hMPV, babies under one are at particular risk of developing more severe symptoms. If respiratory symptoms become severe, babies under one may have difficulty eating. If this is the case, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
HMPV treatment options
HMPV often resolves on its own with rest and symptom management. To ease uncomfortable respiratory symptoms, you can try over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to control fever and pain. A decongestant may also help relieve nasal congestion.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you are ill. This helps thin the mucus and can help you feel better. Beneficial fluids may include water, but you can also try tea with honey or broth to stay hydrated.
Babies under one should not be given honey. Speak to your pediatrician about the best ways to help a baby stay hydrated if they are sick.
If symptoms become more severe, a healthcare provider may need to perform a physical evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. You may need an inhaler to help manage symptoms, antibiotics if another infection develops, or other medications if needed.
How to prevent hMPV
The best way to prevent hMPV is to avoid contact with people who are infected. But since you can’t always know if someone is contagious, it is best to protect yourself by practicing good hygiene. This can include:
- Avoid contact with high-touch surfaces like door knobs
- Avoid sharing cups and utensils
- Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying up to date on recommended vaccines
- Washing your hands regularly
If you need help with respiratory symptoms from hMPV or another illness, we are here to help. Our caring providers can evaluate your symptoms and provide the most effective treatments to help you feel better faster. Most of our centers will see children six months and older. Visit our services page to learn how we can help the whole family.
If you are ready to get started visiting urgent care, find a center nearest you and walk in or save your spot online. We are here 365 days a year, seven days a week, with extended hours to help.
References:
