HMPV, The Hidden Winter Virus You Should Know About

As various respiratory infectious diseases spread in the winter, the number of patients infected with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is increasing worldwide. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that is prevalent to a certain extent in children and the elderly every year, accounting for 2-3% of respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age. It causes a mild upper respiratory infection in most people, and the symptoms are generally indistinguishable from the flu. Below, we will learn about what HMPV is and how it is transmitted, the difference between HMPV and the common cold and flu, why HMPV is dangerous to infants, young children, and the elderly, and the best way to prevent HMPV infection.

What Is HMPV and How Does It Spread?
Why HMPV Is More Dangerous for Children and Seniors
How to Use Superfoods to Stay Energized
Best Ways to Prevent HMPV Infection
What to Do If You Get Infected with HMPV?

What Is HMPV and How Does It Spread?

Human metapneumovirus is a virus that causes respiratory infections. This virus was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 and can cause serious respiratory illnesses, mainly in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. HMPV is most prevalent in the winter months and symptoms are generally similar to those of a cold: cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. In children and the elderly, it can become severe. However, in most cases, HMPV infection clears up on its own.

HMPV can be transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets containing the virus into the air, which are then inhaled by others. It can also be transmitted by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with hands contaminated with the virus. It can be transmitted to others by direct contact with an infected person (e.g., shaking hands, hugging) or by touching objects contaminated with the virus (e.g., doorknobs, toys, etc.). The incubation period is 5-9 days, and the recovery period is 7-14 days.

HMPV vs. Cold and Flu: Key Differences

HMPV (human metapneumovirus), cold, and flu are all respiratory diseases, but there are some differences.

The causative virus is metapneumovirus for HMPV, rhinovirus, coronavirus, and other various viruses for cold, and influenza virus (type A, type B) for flu. The incubation period is 3-6 days for HMPV, 1-3 days for cold, and 1-4 days for flu.

The main symptoms of cold are mainly the mildest symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, while HMPV is more severe than cold and has a risk of pneumonia and bronchitis (mainly cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing). Flu has more severe symptoms than cold, including high fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. In other words, HMPV is a moderate respiratory virus that has more severe symptoms than cold, but is less dangerous than flu, and can develop into pneumonia.

Why HMPV Is More Dangerous for Children and Seniors

The immune system of infants and young children is not yet fully developed, so their resistance to viruses is low, and if they are infected, their symptoms are likely to be severe. Since the airways of infants and young children are narrower than those of adults, they are more likely to have difficulty breathing if inflammation and swelling occur due to HMPV infection. The immune system of the elderly is weakened due to age, and their resistance to viruses is weakened. The elderly often have chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, lung disease, etc.), so they are at risk of worsening symptoms if infected with HMPV. HMPV can cause complications such as pneumonia and heart failure in the elderly, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. Therefore, it is important for these high-risk groups to maintain thorough personal hygiene to prevent HMPV infection and to seek prompt medical help if symptoms appear.

Best Ways to Prevent HMPV Infection

HMPV is transmitted through contact with infected people and through the air, so thorough hygiene management is the most effective prevention method. Since there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV, preventing infection is the most important.

Wash your hands thoroughly:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for more than 20 seconds after going out, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. If it is difficult to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Practice cough etiquette:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and immediately throw away the used tissue.

Wear a mask:

Wear a mask in crowded places (hospitals, public transportation, nursing homes, etc.). If you have cold symptoms, wear a mask indoors as well.

Avoid contact with infected people:

Avoid close contact with people with symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, or fever, and avoid places with a high risk of infection or reduce contact with people as much as possible. Practice social distancing with infected people in households with children or the elderly.

Strengthen your immune system:

Strengthen your immune system through a balanced diet, drinking enough water, getting enough rest, managing stress, and exercising regularly.

Environmental management:

Ventilate indoor air frequently to reduce the concentration of viruses. Maintain indoor humidity at 40-60% as dry environments promote the spread of viruses. Clean and disinfect your surroundings to prevent the spread of viruses.

What to Do If You Get Infected with HMPV?

Most adults recover naturally within 1-2 weeks, but high-risk groups (infants, the elderly, and those with underlying diseases) need to be careful. You can manage and recover from HMPV infection by following the following coping methods.

Self-treatment:

Get enough rest so that your body can focus on fighting the virus. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you have a severe cough, you can drink warm water with honey or take cough syrup. If you have a high fever, you can take a fever reducer such as acetaminophen, and if your cough or pain is severe, you can use a pain reliever. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking them. If your nasal congestion is severe, you can wash your nose with saline solution or use a nasal spray.

Hospital treatment:

If you have symptoms such as difficulty breathing, high fever (38.5℃ or higher) for more than 3 days, severe cough, dehydration, or chest pain, visit a hospital immediately for treatment. Infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases are at high risk for complications from HMPV infection, so it is recommended to visit a hospital and receive treatment from the early stage of symptoms.

Isolation and hygiene management:

Rest at home and avoid crowded places to avoid spreading it to others. Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or tissue when coughing or sneezing, and thoroughly manage personal hygiene. If a family member is infected with HMPV, be careful not to infect other family members.

source:

1. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/human-metapneumovirus-(hmpv)-infection

2. Everything you need to know about human metapneumovirus (HMPV)

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/everything-you-need-know-about-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv

3. How are HMPV symptoms different from common cold?

https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/similarities-and-differences-between-hmpv-and-common-cold/

4. HMPV in Children and Seniors: Signs and Care Guidelines

https://continentalhospitals.com/blog/hmpv-in-children-and-seniors-signs-and-care-guidelines/

5. HMPV Explained: Are You At Risk And How To Prevent It?

https://www.ndtv.com/health/hmpv-are-you-at-risk-can-you-prevent-it-7414094