Understanding Human Metapneumovirus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Rates

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a type of common respiratory virus that mimics the symptoms of the common cold. It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, closely related to the viruses that cause measles and mumps. While most cases infected by the virus are mild, some people are likely to get severely sick, especially the first time they get HMPV infection.
 

The HMPV infection is more common in winters and early spring but can occur at any time of the year. It affects people of all age groups, although infants and young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. Untreated cases of HMPV can develop into serious complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, therefore if your symptoms last for more than two weeks or become severe, seek medical help immediately.
 

Whether you’re looking to safeguard your family against the virus or seeking treatment for your child’s existing pediatric human metapneumovirus infection, understanding HMPV is the first step towards effective care.
 

For HMPV diagnosis, treatment or care, consult Felix Hospital, the best hospital for human metapneumovirus treatment in Noida and Greater Noida.

Understanding Human Metapneumovirus

Human Metapneumovirus is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, or contaminated surfaces. Also, once HMPV enters your body, the incubation period lasts between three to six days.

Let’s understand its impact on both adults as well as children:

• Impact on Adults: Human Metapneumovirus infections in adults can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress in high-risk groups, such as those with chronic lung diseases and cancer patients.

• Impact on Children: Pediatric human metapneumovirus infection is particularly concerning, as it can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and toddlers.

Causes

Like any virus, human metapneumovirus is contagious, which means it gets transmitted from an infected person. You might get exposed to the virus if you:
 

• Touch surfaces that contain the virus, such as door handles, phones, etc. 

• Touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after you touch infected surfaces

• Come in contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. It could be through sneezing, spitting, or coughing

• Come in direct contact with infected person, such as shaking hands, hugging and touching 

• Human metapneumovirus is seasonal and is more prevalent during winter or early spring months, same time as flu season. 

• Infants, young children, and older adults are at greater risk due to weaker immune defenses.

• Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions are at heightened risk.

• Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, are more vulnerable.

Symptoms

The symptoms of HMPV often mimic those of the flu or common cold that usually go away between two to five days. The symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual’s age, immune status, and overall health.

However, some of the common symptoms include:
 

1. Cough 

2. Nasal congestion

3. Sore throat

4. Fever

5. Wheezing 

6. Headache

If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and cause serious health issues in more severe cases, or patients with compromised immune systems. They may experience 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Asthma flare-ups

• Respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia  

Diagnosis

Unless you’re very sick and hospitalized with HMPV, there’s a high chance that you won’t even know that you've been infected with the virus. However, diagnosing HMPV involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing:
 

• Physical Examination: Your doctor will look for symptoms like wheezing, fever, and nasal discharge.

• Swab Test: A soft-tipped stick (swab) is used to get a sample from your nose or throat. The sample is sent to the lab for confirmation of the virus. 

• Blood Tests: Complete blood counts (CBC) and inflammatory markers help evaluate the severity of the infection.

• Molecular Tests: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests detect the presence of HMPV RNA in respiratory samples.

• Antigen Detection: Rapid antigen tests help identify the virus, especially in acute cases.

• Bronchoscopy/Chest X-rays: Imaging may be required to rule out pneumonia or other complications in the airways of your lungs.

Treatment for Human Metapneumovirus

Currently, there’s no treatment for an upper respiratory infection caused by HMPV. Most people can easily manage their symptoms at home and rest until they feel better. The treatment for HMPV primarily focuses on management of symptoms that includes: 

• Coping with Symptoms: Take over-the-counter medications and cough syrups for fever, cough and pain. Nasal decongestants and saline nasal sprays can be used for congestion in the nose.

• Hydration and Rest: Make sure you drink plenty of water and there's adequate fluid intake. Rest is crucial for recovery.

• Oxygen Therapy: For severe cases involving respiratory distress, supplemental oxygen may be required.

• Hospitalization: Pediatric or elderly patients with complications may need hospitalization.

At Felix Hospitals, the best hospital for human metapneumovirus treatment in Noida, our specialists provide comprehensive care, ensuring patients receive the tailored treatments and care.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting HMPV by taking these preventive measures: 
 

• Washing/Sanitizing your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer. 

• Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow while sneezing or coughing.

• Avoid being around or coming in physical contact with an infected person. 

• Wearing a mask if you’re sick.

• Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and mobile phones.

• Consume a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking to strengthen your immune system.

• Don’t share towels, food or eating utensils with others.

Prognosis and Recovery Rate

Mild cases of human metapneumovirus usually last 3 to 7 days. If you’re very sick, it’ll probably take longer to recover. You might also have lingering symptoms, like a cough, that may take a little longer to go away.

Meet the Best Doctor for Human Metapneumovirus Treatment at Felix Hospitals

At Felix Hospitals, we have the best doctors for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) treatment in Noida. Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in pulmonology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and infectious diseases to deliver exceptional care. Leading the way, Dr. Priyadarshi Jitendra Kumar works alongside our highly skilled internal medicine specialists, including Dr. Anshumala Sinha, Dr. Sonakshi Saxena, Dr. Apoorva Shetty, Dr. Neelabh Pratap, Dr. Priyanka Singh, Dr. Ravi Sharma, and Dr. Keshav Kumar Garg.

Whether you need an outpatient consultation or inpatient care, our state-of-the-art facilities and personalized treatment plans ensure a seamless recovery process. At Felix Hospitals, your health is our priority.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from human metapneumovirus. Visit Felix Hospitals, the best hospital for human metapneumovirus treatment, and take proactive steps to safeguard your respiratory health.

Conclusion

Human metapneumovirus is a virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections. While there’s no cure or vaccine for human metapneumovirus, most cases recover within a few days. However, sometimes infants, older people, and people who have weakened immune systems can develop complications, like pneumonia. Therefore, understanding its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is vital for effective management of HMPV. By taking preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, you can reduce the risk of complications and ensure a faster recovery.

For appointments, contact us at ​​ +(91) 9667064100.

At Felix Hospitals, we offer diagnosis and treatments for respiratory infections for patients of all ages.

FAQs

1- How long does it take to recover from human metapneumovirus?
ANS: It largely depends on the individual’s overall health, age, and immunity. It’s crucial for anyone with existing respiratory symptoms, or compromised immune system to seek medical advice.

2- When should I see my doctor for pediatric human metapneumovirus infection?
ANS:  You should seek medical advice if your child’s symptoms don’t start to improve within a few days or if you or your child has a fever lasting longer than three days. If your child has symptoms of a respiratory infection and an underlying condition that puts them at an elevated risk for severe illness, do not delay seeking treatment for pediatric human metapneumovirus infection.

3- Do I need antibiotics for human metapneumovirus?
ANS:  No, HMPV is a virus and antibiotics only treat bacteria. However, if your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it would be to treat any secondary infections.

4- What are the complications of human metapneumovirus infections in adults?
ANS:  Sometimes HMPV causes complications such as asthma, COPD flare-ups, pneumonia and bronchitis.

5- How is human metapneumovirus transmitted?
ANS:  HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus.