Human Metapneumovirus

What is human metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus (sometimes called HMPV) is a disease that causes respiratory illness which can be severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It is one of the leading causes of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the smallest airways in the lungs) in infants. It can also lead to bacterial pneumonia, a lung infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid, making it hard to breathe.

Who gets human metapneumovirus?

People of all ages can get human metapneumovirus. However, it is most common in young children and older adults. Healthy, young children usually have mild or moderate respiratory symptoms. People can get human metapneumovirus many times throughout their life and, in generally healthy people, symptoms are usually mild, or they may have no symptoms at all. People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and those with weakened immune systems can have more severe symptoms.

How does human metapneumovirus spread?

Human metapneumovirus spreads from person to person through:

  • coughing and sneezing
  • touching such as shaking hands
  • touching objects or surfaces that have virus on them and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

In the United States, human metapneumovirus usually occurs in winter and lasts through spring.

How long can I spread the virus to others?

You can infect others for 1-2 weeks, but you can be contagious for weeks or even months if you have a weakened immune system. The time period from when a person is exposed to human metapneumovirus and when they begin to develop symptoms is 3-7 days.

What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus?

The most common symptoms of human metapneumovirus are cough, fever, runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, and shortness of breath. People who are at higher risk for serious illness may also get bronchitis (inflammation of the main air passages in the lungs) or pneumonia, a lung infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid, making it hard to breathe.

How is human metapneumovirus diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may not test you for human metapneumovirus unless your symptoms do not improve within a few days or you have serious symptoms. To test for human metapneumovirus, your healthcare provider will take a sample from your nose or throat which can then be confirmed by either an antigen test or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, or similar laboratory tests.

What is the treatment for human metapneumovirus?

There are no antiviral medications to treat human metapneumovirus. However, there are ways to ease symptoms including using over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and taking a decongestant. Like with other respiratory illnesses, you should drink lots of fluids and make sure to get plenty of rest.

If you or your child are severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. Healthcare providers will monitor your condition and help prevent you from getting sicker.

What can be done to help prevent spreading human metapneumovirus infection?

  • You can take steps to prevent getting human metapneumovirus by:
    • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
    • Avoid being around people who are sick
    • Avoid sharing food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others
  • If you have cold-like symptoms you should:
    • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched
    • Stay at home until your symptoms resolve
    • Consider wearing a mask and avoid being around others