HMPV Virus: Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Prevention

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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We are not even fully recovering from the Coronavirus pandemic blues. News of a newfangled viral infection has come from neighbouring country China—the HMPV virus, which has affected infants and toddlers in the country. Besides, as per the recent report of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), roughly eight cases of HMPV infection have come up in India since 7 January from Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

This article will illuminate the symptoms of HMPV infection and how to cope with this disease.

What is the HMPV Virus?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that attacks the upper and lower respiratory tract, causing infections. According to cases reported by various hospitals, the virus is particularly prevalent in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

What are the Symptoms of HMPV Infection?

HMPV infection symptoms are similar to those of previous respiratory viral infections, including persisting cough and cold, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These symptoms may include:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Wheezing sound while breathing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

In severe cases, HMPV infection can lead to bronchiolitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the bronchioles in the lungs, in addition to pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs).

What are the Risk Factors behind HMPV Infection?

Based on the prognosis of the disease, below are the key risk factors for developing severe HMPV infection: 

• Age Factor: As of now, the HMPV virus has attacked people from a young age, i.e. infants and toddlers, and elderly people aged 65 and above. 
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Pre-existing illnesses such as asthma, chronic lung disease, or heart disease can trigger symptoms of severe HMPV infection.
• Weak Immune System: Generally, immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to HMPV infection.

What are the Diagnosis Techniques for HMPV Infection?

Diagnosing HMPV infection is typically done through clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, or a combination. 

Clinical Evaluation: A doctor will assess the HMPV symptoms and the patient’s medical history to ascertain the HMPV infection.

Besides, some specific laboratory tests help detect the early signs of possible HMPV infection, such as:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This test detects the genetic material of the HMPV virus in a sample from the respiratory tract (usually a nasal swab). PCR is the most common and reliable method for diagnosing HMPV infection.
• Viral Culture: This test involves growing the virus in a laboratory from a respiratory tract sample. The viral culture is, however, less commonly taken than the PCR sample and takes longer to get results.

It is important to note that HMPV infection is complicated to differentiate from other respiratory tract infections based on symptoms alone. Therefore, laboratory testing is crucial for a definitive diagnosis.

Is there any Sureshot HMPV Treatment?

No specific treatment has been developed to treat HMPV infection. There is currently no vaccine available for HMPV. However, medical care for this disease mainly focuses on relieving the HMPV symptoms in adults and children. It is very essential to provide external support to the respiratory system. Accordingly, the patient must do the needful:

• Take adequate rest
• Intake a lot of fluids and remain hydrated.
• Avoid over-the-counter pain relievers and take only prescribed medication.
• Take fever reducers such as paracetamol if you have a fever.
• However, in severe cases, immediate hospitalisation and oxygen support become essential.

How to Prevent HMPV Infection?

Prevention of HMPV infection is possible only by maintaining personal hygiene and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Here are some essential healthy habits to avoid human meta pneumovirus from spreading: 

• Good hand hygiene
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Avoiding close contact with sick people

By following these healthy habits, you can effectively control the spread! 

What are the Long-term Complications of HMPV Infection?

Although quite limited information is available on the long-term effects of HMPV infection, some studies suggest that HMPV infection in early childhood may be linked to an aggravated risk of developing asthma and other respiratory problems later in life.

Who is Most Vulnerable to HMPV Infection?

Young children, elderly people, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to HMPV infection. To avoid contracting HMPV, these individuals should practice good hand hygiene, wear masks in public places, and avoid close contact with sick people.

Is there any Research in Progress on HMPV treatment?

There is no specific research on treating HMPV since this disease is very new. However, future research directions for HMPV are being given, which include:

• Development of antiviral medications: While no specific treatment for HMPV exists, research is ongoing to develop antiviral drugs that could target the virus and mitigate the disease symptoms.
• The invention of a vaccine: One of the primary concerns of the research is to develop a vaccine to prevent HMPV infection. This is especially important for high-risk groups, such as young children and older adults.
• Understanding long-term effects: More research is needed to understand the long-term impact of HMPV infection, particularly in young children. This includes investigating the potential link between HMPV and the development of asthma and other respiratory problems.
• Improved diagnostic tests: While PCR and viral culture are practical diagnostic tools, research is underway to develop faster and more accessible diagnostic tests for HMPV.

Will Research into HMPV Infection Help Prevent Future Viruses?

Potentially, yes. Like previous viruses, research into HMPV infection can help a broader understanding of viral behaviour, transmission, and immune responses. This knowledge can be used to develop better prevention and treatment strategies for future, potentially even novel, viruses.

Maintaining proper hygiene and following precautionary measures can help stop the spread of HMPV infection. However, apart from a healthy lifestyle, you need something else to secure your financial health in case of a medical emergency health insurance coverage.

Safeguard Your Savings from Medical Emergency with Health Insurance

Five years ago, the world hugely suffered from the dreadful impact of coronavirus. Apart from the fatal effects on health, the treatment of COVID-19 drained the savings of many individuals and rendered them completely helpless. It was then that people realised the significance of comprehensive health coverage. In today’s age of inflation, medical treatment costs have gone beyond reach. A single case of hospitalisation can drain your savings into various expenses such as room rent, ICU charges, medications, regular check-ups, etc. Hence, you must consider buying a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers all your medical expenses.

>> Also Read: Coronavirus: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.