What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

OVERVIEW

Human MetaPneumoVirus is an RNA respiratory virus that typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. It is a part of the same group of viruses that causes measles, RSV, and mumps. Human mpv is a very common virus researchers have known for many years and it is not a new virus. Meta pneumo virus symptoms can vary from mild respiratory symptoms similar to flu and lasts for only a week except for children under 5 years and adults who are immune-compromised.

What is HMPV in a nutshell?

HMP meaning Human Meta Pneumo is a virus. It belongs to Pneumoviridae, a family of viruses. It is a respiratory virus.

In children and adults, Human metapneumovirus causes can cause mild symptoms like cold, cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, fever and sometimes wheezing or shortness of breath.

Severe lower respiratory conditions like Pneumonia, Bronchitis, and shortness of breath can be experienced by individuals who are very young, elderly above 65 years, and those with weakened immune systems.

The virus is very commonly found during the winter and early spring months and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

HMPV does not have a vaccine at present, and no antiviral treatments are available.

Symptoms of HMPV

Human Metapneumovirus in adults and children can usually present with mild upper respiratory symptoms, including:
• Cough
• Runny nose 
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
These usually go within a week or so. 

However, in some cases, HMPV can lead to more severe illness affecting the lower respiratory system, characterized by:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Bronchitis
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness
• Pneumonia
• Asthma flare-ups in adults

In children younger than 1 year of age, the elderly, and people who have weak immune systems, Human metapneumovirus causes more serious respiratory illness.

Who is at risk of contracting HMPV?

Although anyone can contract HMPV, individuals at greater risk include:

• Newborn babies
• Children who are under 5
• Older adults who are above 65
• Individuals with asthma who are on steroids
• People having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Those with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer, HIV, or organ transplant recipients

It has been shown in the studies that metapneumovirus infections make up about 5% to 10% of hospitalizations among children. Data has also shown that up to 16% of them may get serious complications, like Pneumonia.

Is HMPV contagious?

Human Metapneumovirus is a virus and it is contagious like any other virus, that means one can get it if one comes in contact with someone who has been infected with the virus. You can get infected if:

• If you  come in close contact with droplets from an infected person through sneezing, spitting, or coughing
• If you touch your nose, mouth, or eyes after you have touched infected surfaces
• If you touch surfaces that might contain the virus
• If you have had close contact, such as handshakes and touching

Once human metapneumovirus has entered your body the time taken between exposure to the first signs of symptoms which is called the incubation period is three to six days. 
However, you might get the symptom severity only if your immunity is low. Human metapneumovirus long-term effects are not severe.

Diagnosing HMPV

Your Doctor would suspect the virus based on your symptoms. Typically,  your doctor would do a detailed physical examination and ask you about your personal and family medical histories. 
For confirmatory results,

• Nasal swab:
  One might use a soft-tipped stick (swab) to get a sample from your nose or throat to send it to the lab for confirmation.
  RT-PCR is a more recommended method than culture and serological studies for the diagnosis of HMP-virus infection 
• Blood test:
  The other two blood tests are IFA and ELISA for the detection of virus antigens in nasopharyngeal secretions.

However, out of two RT-PCR is more accurate in detecting HMPV.

In case an adult or a child, has severe symptoms, your doctor may do a bronchoscopy to detect lower respiratory infection and to look as to how much of your lung is infected.

Human metapneumovirus Treatment

For now, there are no antiviral medications that treat Human Metapneumovirus. However, most of the symptoms are mild and go away on their own. At the most, you will just need supportive care to manage your symptoms. Human metapneumovirus treatment for mild cases is adequate rest and good hydration to help to recover within a week. Symptomatic treatment is done for fever and nasal congestion. However, most people can manage their symptoms at home until they feel better.

In case of severe infection, one needs to do an X-ray chest or Bronchoscopy to know the severity of the case after consulting a healthcare provider.

Do you need antibiotics for Human Metapneumovirus treatment?

Antibiotics only treat bacteria. HMPV is a virus and antibiotics don’t help with viral infections. However, in case of a superadded infection, one can consult a healthcare professional before taking them.

Human metapneumovirus Death Rate

Based on data from an article published in Lancet Globel Health in 2021, one percent of acute lower respiratory infection-related deaths in children under age five can be attributed to HMPV.

How is HMPV different from COVID-19?

HMPV is an old virus known for more than 50 years now, whereas Covid 19 was a new virus.

Human metapneumovirus causes infection mostly in winter and spring and it is a seasonal virus, as opposed to COVID-19, which usually circulates around the year as it develops new variants.
Vaccine and anti-viral treatments for COVID-19 are available. However, for HMPV no vaccine or treatment is currently available.

Can you prevent a Human metapneumovirus infection?

You can reduce your risk of getting metapneumovirus by following these measures:

• One should wash their hands with soap and water. You can use an alcohol-based sanitizer if you cannot use soap and water.
• One should cover one's mouth with an elbow and not bare hands while sneezing or coughing.
• One should avoid being around people who are sick with colds or other contagious diseases.
• One should wear a mask if one is sick and has symptoms like a cold, or cough or avoid being around people.
• One should avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
• One should not share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.

Stress is known to decrease your immunity and the chances of you catching the virus increase, thus try to avoid it.

Quick Take away

Human Metapneumovirus causes mild respiratory symptoms like flu. It has been there for more than 50 years and one has probably developed immunity to it by the age of 10 years. Babies under 12 months, elderly above 65 years and those adults who are already suffering from severe illness and have weakened immunity are at risk of severe infection.

Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments available for HMPV. The key to preventing oneself from contracting HMPV infection is to keep oneself hydrated and keep your immunity high.

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FAQs

1. How long Does it take to Recover from Human Metapneumovirus?

One may recover from HMPV in a week in case of mild infection, however, in case of superadded infection and immunocompromised individuals it may take longer to recover.

2. Is Human Metapneumovirus Dangerous?

Evidence has it that HMPV has been with us since the 1950s, hence it is not a new virus like COVID-19. Thus by the age of 10 majority of the children develop immunity against it. It causes mild upper respiratory symptoms like cold, cough fever which is manageable symptomatically. However vulnerable populations like infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity have high chances of superadded infection and developing lower respiratory symptoms like Pneumonia, wheezing, and breathlessness. They would need aggressive treatment.

3. Is There a Vaccine for HMPV?

There is no vaccine for HMPV. Only supportive treatment is given at present.

4. How is HMPV diagnosed?

Your Doctor would suspect the virus based on your symptoms.
For confirmatory results, a nasal swab or blood culture is taken.
In case of severe infection, one needs to do an X-ray chest or Bronchoscopy to know the severity of the case.

5. How is HMPV different from the Flu or COVID-19?

Human metapneumovirus is an old virus, and most of us must have developed immunity to it by the age of 10. It causes mild flu-like symptoms of cold cough, and fever which is manageable at home with rest and proper hydration. In the case of immunocompromised individuals, one might seek professional help. At present there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for it.
COVID-19 is the latest virus and it has a broader spectrum of symptoms, including loss of taste and smell and a higher potential for complications like blood clotting and multi-organ failure. Also, there is a specific treatment and vaccine available for COVID-19, unlike that for HMPV.