Those who follow the news regularly were shaken when a panic-like situation emerged on social media about hMPV virus. The news spread like wildfire across India following reports of rising hMPV cases in China. [ref]
The situation aggravated when India reported three new cases of hMPV infections on January 6, 2025. Two of these were in Bengaluru and one was in Ahmedabad. Later on, things returned to normal as people came to understand that it doesn’t make sense to make mountains out of molehills. [ref]
Let’s see what hMPV is, its symptoms, if it’s a novel virus and if we really need to worry about it.
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) in A Nutshell
hMPV virus is a common cold virus causing an upper respiratory infection. People get only mildly sick once they catch this virus, but for some, it becomes a very big concern.A member of the Pneumoviridae and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) families, it has been spreading itself around the world since 2001 any other common cold virus alike [ref].
The spread of the hMPV occurs through infectious respiratory particles. It’s an airborne disease that transfers the virus from a victim to others when they are close enough. It also spreads through touching contaminated surfaces; eyes, nose or mouth. The virus is so insignificant that only a handful of countries monitor and report the hMPV trends globally.[ref]
In temperate regions, hMPV spreads during late winter and spring, along with seasonal flu and RSV. However, immunocompromised people can catch the virus and fall sick anytime of the year. Usually infants and children who are less than 5 years old catch the virus readily and also them suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are always at higher risk. These three groups need extra care to recover from a hMPV infection and must stay vigilant about not getting infected.[ref]
Since no vaccine against hMP Virus is available, preventing an infection needs similar measures taken to prevent other respiratory illnesses. Wearing a mask while in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces; improving ventilation wherever possible, cleaning hands regularly and thoroughly, with either soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning hands first are recommended. That aside, strengthening your immune system through an optimum diet; regular exercises and adequate rest can keep hMPV easily away.
Dr. Venkatesh Ashok, a dedicated General Physician (MBBS) practicing at Jayam Medical Centre in Mayiladuthurai, speaks about hMPV from his extensive experience of diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions. He has provided a comprehensive hMPV guideline for patients of all ages and health conditions. His patient-centric approach, emphasizing preventive care and early diagnosis has made him manage common illnesses, chronic diseases, and general wellness efficiently through all these years. His commitment to quality healthcare makes him a trusted name in the community, ensuring the well-being of his patients with compassion and expertise.
Symptoms of Catching the hMPV virus: It’s Alright if You are A Healthy Adult with No Chronic or Compromised Health Issues
Human metapneumovirus usually causes cold or flu-like symptoms in healthy humans, though the severity of an infection depends on many things. However, viruses have the ability to evolve, so the severity of infection can change. WHO is currently working with global experts and monitoring these changes on a regular basis.
As of now, a hMPV infection demonstrates common cold or flu-like symptoms resulting in
- cough,
- fever,
- a sore throat,
- a runny or stuffy nose,
- Body aches and headaches.
These can lead to severe illness at first strike in some individuals. Young children run a higher risk of complications from the hMPV virus, while subsequent infections, if any, get milder.
On the other hand, for older adults (60+), pre-existing respiratory conditions make it worse. This zoonotic virus is a reminder for the global vigilance against emerging zoonotic respiratory viruses.
People with compromised immunity might develop an infection of the lungs (pneumonia) or inflammation of the airways to the lungs (bronchiolitis and bronchitis). This results in wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue and dehydration, The fever might get persistent and might take a long time to improve. Whoever is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above must seek immediate medical advice.
It’s never too late to start a health revolution. Awareness is the only way by which hMPV patients could be saved from facing any further unnecessary complications.
To know more about hMPV and its prevention, watch DocTube.
DocTube is a single platform that brings you more than 15,000+ substantial health videos from 3,000+ qualified and practising doctors. Whatever you’re looking for - daily wellness tips, managing chronic conditions or escaping seasonal bouts, there is information served on a platter in almost every Indian language, including Hindi, English, Tamil and Telugu. This is because health education should be available to and accessible to anyone.
The primary advantage of the DocTube app is that it’s completely free and downloadable from the Play Store and the Apple Store. It has an easy-to-use interface and contains personalised health advice and recommendations, which you can access from anywhere, anytime. Get the DocTube app right now to take charge of your journey towards a good health-laden future. The guidance from the best medical professionals is now at your beck and call.
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FAQ
1. Are women, children and the elderly more prone to a hMPV infection?
Ans. Children under 5, people with weakened immune systems and adults - both men and women - older than 65 are most susceptible to developing complications from hMPV infection
2. How to take care of a hMPV infection in immunocompromised people?
Ans. There is no antiviral medication to treat hMPV, and most people can manage the symptoms by themselves until they start feeling better. For those who fall severely ill, the hospital will be the only way to go. These people might need oxygen therapy in case of difficulty breathing; IV fluids to keep the body hydrated and corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation and ease complications.
No antibiotic world against human metapneumovirus since they only treat bacteria and fungi. However, those who get pneumonia from HMPV will also get a bacterial (secondary) infection at the same time for which antibiotics to treat only secondary infections will be administered.
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