HMPV, short for human metapneumovirus, is seeing big upticks in China and India right now. If you're getting flashbacks to 2020, we see you. But should we be worried about HMPV? We checked with a handful of infectious disease experts to answer just about every question you have about HMPV, including how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
"HMPV stands for human metapneumovirus, which is a respiratory virus typically seen in the winter season," Dr. Zachary Hoy, MD, infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix, told Parade. "It can especially infect people in the extremes of age old or young or anyone with a weakened or suppressed immune system. It is in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and can cause many similar symptoms."
What Are HMPV Symptoms?
According to Dr. Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP, epidemiologist at NYC Health + Hospitals and Lisa Olson-Gugerty, MPH, DHSc, CHES, FNP-C, associate professor of public health at Syracuse University, the most common symptoms of HMPV include:
ChillsCoughingFatigueFeverNasal congestionRunny noseShortness of breathSore throatWheezingCertain demographics may present different symptoms, with some more severe (like difficulty breathing), especially in elderly or pediatric patients or those with compromised immune systems.
"In some cases, it can lead to more severe illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in people who are vulnerable," Dr. Daniel D. Rhoads, MD, FCAP, Cleveland Clinic pathologist and chair of the College of American Pathologists' Microbiology Committee, told us.
Finally, some good news: Probably not!
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Is HMPV Worse Than a Cold?
"HMPV infection most commonly results in a cold and does not have as many specific symptoms to tell it apart from other respiratory viruses," he explained.
Ehhh ... not really, but make no mistake: Neither of these is a picnic.
"It is in the same family of viruses as RSV," Dr. Jarod Fox, MD, infectious disease specialist at Orlando Health, explained. "Like other respiratory viruses, it causes upper respiratory infections. Most cases are mild, but infants, adults older than age 65, and those who are immunocompromised may have more serious illness and end up hospitalized. It is no worse or any better than other respiratory viruses like the cold and RSV."
Is HMPV Contagious?
Yep. Similar to COVID-19, "HMPV is contagious and transmitted by contact with other respiratory droplets, such as when someone sneezes or shares a cup or water bottle with someone else," according to Dr. Hoy.
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Is There a Test for HMPV?
"When testing for respiratory viruses, some providers only routinely check for influenza and COVID-19, plus or minus RSV," Dr. Wang noted. "Other providers will order an expanded panel that also tests for other respiratory viruses. HMPV is typically included on the expanded respiratory viral panel."
Even though you may only be hearing about it recently, HMPV has been here for a minute.
Related: You're Probably Blowing Your Nose the Wrong Way, According to ENT Doctors
How Do You Treat HMPV?
"Unfortunately, there is no treatment. As we would tell a patient with a cold, the best course of action is to rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid contact with other people as much as possible until symptoms subside," Dr. Wang advised.
You can, but that isn't necessarily terrible news: According to Dr. Fox, subsequent infections usually are much milder than the first.
As such, if you're in a vulnerable population or frequently around those who are, you'll still want to be pretty careful.
Is There an HMPV Vaccine?
Not yet, but Dr. Rhoads says that researchers have been working on one, so fingers crossed that it's ready sooner rather than later!
You've heard these before!
Dr. Madad also recommends avoiding touching your face, while Olson-Gugerty urges you to always cover your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze.
Related: 'I'm an Infectious Disease Expert, and This Is the Most Commonly Overlooked COVID Symptom Right Now'
Sources
Dr. Jarod Fox, MDDr. Zachary Hoy, MDDr. Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCPDr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, MSLisa Olson-Gugerty, MPH, DHSc, CHES, FNP-CDr. Daniel D. Rhoads, MD, FCAPDr. Rebecca Wang, MD Read More Details
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