Everything you should know about HMPV

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Jan 16, 2025

The recent outbreak of human metapneumovirus in China has prompted global concerns due to its potential to transmit rapidly. Although human metapneumovirus causes mild respiratory infection, it can potentially cause severe respiratory infections including pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and asthma flare-ups.

Not only in China, the cases of HMPV are rapidly increasing in India. More than 17 active cases have been identified in India to date. Due to its rapidly spreading potentiality, it is crucial to understand the virus well. That is why, this blog post explores the major factors of this respiratory virus.

What is HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus, widely known as HMPV is a respiratory infection-causing virus. This virus was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands. HMPV has a lot of similarities with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) because they both belong to the same family, paramyxoviridae.

HMPV mainly affects the upper respiratory tract and causes cold or flu-like symptoms. However, it can also affect the lower respiratory tract and cause severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is more common in infants, children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of HMPV you should know about

The symptoms of HMPV resemble those of the common cold and flu. Symptoms of HMPV may range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of HMPV include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Skin discoloration

How does HMPV spread?

• Respiratory droplets: HMPV spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes near you. The droplets containing the virus can get into your lungs through the nose or mouth and infect you.
• Direct transmission: Direct contact with an HMPV-infected person can increase the risk of contracting the virus.
• Contaminated surface: Touching your face or mouth after touching surfaces contaminated with the HMPV virus can increase the risk of contracting the virus.

Diagnosis of an HMPV infection

Diagnosing an HMPV infection requires both clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. At first, your healthcare provider may ask you about your symptoms. Based on the symptoms, they may suggest an HMPV virus test. An HMPV virus test is an RT-PCR test which helps detect the virus from your respiratory samples. Thyrocare is offering the HMPV virus test price at only 2999 rupees. This RT-PCR test accurately detects the presence of HMPV virus in your respiratory sample. Thyrocare also offers a free home sample collection facility.

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available to treat this respiratory illness. Doctors recommend certain medications to reduce the severity of the symptoms. That is why timely detection and prevention is crucial. If you or your kid is having symptoms that could be due to HMPV infection, then consult your doctor as soon as possible, because in children and older people, this virus can lead to severe complications.