Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) treatment available today

Learn about human metapneumovirus (hMPV) 

hMPV (human metapneumovirus) is an upper and/or lower respiratory tract virus. It can affect the throat, mouth, and nose. This virus triggers a classic infection, like the common cold. Patients often develop it in winter or early spring, alongside the flu season. At least 4 lineages of hMPV exist: A1, A2, B1, and B2.

This virus is a common trigger for respiratory tract infections in the elderly, adults, children, and immunocompromised patients. Overall, this is not a serious illness. Most people have a couple of symptoms, which tend to dissipate on their own. Lower respiratory tract infections due to hMPV can lead to worsening acute asthma symptoms, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

This disease spreads from an infected person through close contact. It spreads through respiratory droplets with an incubation period of around 3 to 6 days. It quickly spreads into the respiratory tract.

hMPV is most commonly recorded in pediatric patients. It can occur in children younger than 2 years. Around 90% to 100% of children are infected by hMPV by the time they turn 5 to 10 years old.

Roughly 5% to 10% of pediatric hospitalizations occur due to hMPV triggering acute lower respiratory infections. In fact, children who are younger than 6 months and have hMPV were 3 times as likely to be hospitalized compared to patients between the ages of 6 months to 5 years.

The gold standard for treating is supportive medicine, which includes hydration with IV fluids, antipyretic agents, and supplemental oxygen. Severe hMPV infection has been linked to premature birth including heart disorders, pulmonary, and immunocompromised status.

Moderna has started a clinical trial against the virus. As of 2019, the vaccine passed the first phase for being well-tolerated. However, more research is necessary to study the impact of this vaccine.

How to treat human metapneumovirus (hMPV) 

Supportive care is the most practical method for treating hMPV. Because this illness tends to clear up on its own, a healthcare provider can help ease the symptoms. That means using OTC medication for controlling fever and pain or relying on decongestants for reducing sinus pressure.

You can also use a room humidifier or hot showers to ease the coughing and sore throat. Treatment to relieve the cold-like symptoms includes drinking a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration. While the body heals, people are advised to stay at home and rest. Doctors might recommend hydration with IV fluids, supplemental oxygen, and antipyretic agents.

A general consultation is an affordable method for managing the symptoms and reassessing the patient’s potential risk factors. A consultation can help patients find the right treatment. It is a proactive approach to the management of hMPV.

When to see a doctor for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) 

Human metapneumovirus infections tend to cause mild symptoms. Therefore, most patients don’t need to contact a specialist. Supportive care should be enough to mitigate the fever and pain. It should go away in 7 to 10 days. However, if the symptoms worsen and people start to experience difficulty breathing, severe wheezing, or severe cough, book an appointment with a healthcare provider.

To diagnose hMPV, your doctor will do a full patient and physical history. They might suggest lab tests to find which virus caused the respiratory infection. In rare hospitalized patients, a healthcare expert might do a bronchoscopy. This involves inserting a flexible, small camera into the lungs and taking a sample of fluid to evaluate which virus is causing problems.