Exploring the Basics of Human Metapneumovirus: What You Need to Know About this Common Respiratory Illness

Human Metapneumovirus: The Virus That Flew Under Everyone’s Radar

The COVID-19 pandemic has put viruses and their potential impact on public health in the forefront of our minds. In the past year and a half, the world has witnessed firsthand the effects of a fast-spreading respiratory virus that has claimed millions of lives around the globe.

While the attention has been focused on COVID-19, other respiratory viruses have also been circulating and affecting the health of individuals worldwide. One such virus is the human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a respiratory infection that reportedly spiked this spring in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What is hMPV?

Human metapneumovirus belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which includes other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is an infection that affects the upper and respiratory tract and can cause cold-like symptoms, especially in children, older adults, and persons with weakened immune systems.

The virus was discovered in 2001, and since then, it has been found worldwide and is known to affect individuals of all ages.

Symptoms and Transmission

While hMPV usually causes mild respiratory symptoms similar to those of a cold, it can be dangerous for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include cough, fever, and nasal congestion. In severe cases, breathing difficulty, wheezing, and asthma attacks may occur.

The virus typically spreads through close contact with an infected individual via coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated objects. hMPV is more likely to circulate during the winter and spring months, which is similar to cold viruses and other influenza viruses that affect humans.

Treatments

There is currently no specific antiviral therapy to treat hMPV, nor is there a vaccine available to prevent it. The infection typically resolves on its own in healthy individuals, and over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and cough suppressants can help alleviate symptoms.

However, for those with severe symptoms and conditions such as asthma, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, medical attention and treatment by healthcare professionals are recommended. While antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, co-infection with bacteria can occur, leading to bacterial pneumonia, which would need treatment with antibiotics.

Conclusion

Human metapneumovirus may not be as well-known as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), but it is a respiratory virus that can also cause significant morbidity and mortality in at-risk populations. As we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential also to be mindful of other respiratory viruses, like hMPV, to help prevent their spread and minimize their impact on public health.

The increased attention and testing for respiratory infections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may be part of why hMPV cases have been identified as “spiking” this year. As we move forward, it is essential to continue to monitor and research other respiratory infections to develop vaccines and treatments to prevent or manage their impact.