Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes upper and lower respiratory diseases in patients of all ages. It is most common in patients with weak immune systems. This condition was not discovered until 2001, and it is part of the family of respiratory infections that includes RSV.
This condition is associated with the following symptoms:
This illness is caused by a virus that is in the same family as RSV. It is transmitted from one person to another through secretions caused by coughing and sneezing and through close personal contact or shared items like toys and utensils. This illness has distinct seasons and usually is present in winter, lasting through the spring. You are most likely to get hMPV during the flu and cold season.
The risk factors for this condition are:
Diagnosis is often made by doctors based on symptoms and the patient’s overall medical history. Viral tests can also be done to confirm that the Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is responsible for a patient’s illness. This is a recently recognized virus, so some doctors might choose to do testing to verify diagnosis among the various other respiratory infections that can cause similar symptoms.
Prevention of viruses is not always possible, but you can make sure that you wash your hands frequently during cold and flu season and that you avoid large crowds of people. You might also want to refrain from having contact with sick people or those who have a confirmed diagnosis of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV). If someone in the family has this illness, frequent cleaning and sanitation of surfaces in the home can help prevent the spread of hMPV to others.
There is no cure for this virus, and care for the condition is supportive unless a secondary infection has taken place. Getting lots of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter cold medicine can help manage the symptoms of this illness. Many patients will improve within two weeks. If coughing becomes worse or patients spike a fever a second time, a trip to the doctor for evaluation is recommended.