Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus responsible for causing common cold belongs to family pneumoviridae. It typically causes mild illness for majority, but in rare cases it can seriously affect vulnerable individuals. Young children, especially those under the age of two and the elderly, are the most susceptible to the virus. It transmits via contagious respiratory droplets that travel through the air from an infected individual to others. This indicates that an individual can acquire the virus when near a sick person or while sharing an enclosed space with them. It can also be transmitted by then direct or close contact with contaminated secretion which may involve aerosol (large particle) droplets, fomites.
Symptoms of HMPV:
Mild episode of human HMPV typically persist for several days to up to a week. In extreme situations, it may likely take more time to improve. Nonetheless, persistent symptoms such as a cough might take more time to disappear. A few common symptoms of HMPV are:
Sore throat, Cough
Blocked nose/nasal congestion with rhinitis
Headaches
Body Pain with or without Fever
It can cause significant illness in some individuals, leading to lung infections like pneumonia or inflammation of the airways, such as bronchiolitis or bronchitis which may require hospitalization. More severe symptoms may include wheezing, difficult breathing, chest pain, dizziness, extreme fatigue, dehydration, or a persistent fever that doesn’t improve.
Diagnosis
RT – PCR is most sensitive and commonly used for diagnosis of HMPV. Respiratory panel assay/multiplex PCR panel are also done for diagnosis.
Preventing contact and avoiding spread of HMPV
Since there is no vaccine to prevent human metapneumovirus infection and no specific antiviral treatment, the most effective approach is to avoid contracting the virus.
The virus is communicable, so avoiding crowded places and maintaining general hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining a good nasal hygiene with saline-based nasal sprays/solutions has also been reported to help clear the nasal cavity of pathogens, potentially reducing the risk of infection.
Preventing spread entails remaining at home if experiencing symptoms, self-isolating, using a mask in crowded or inadequately ventilated areas, avoiding close contact with others, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and frequently washing hands with soap and water.
Maintaining physical separation of >,6 feet interrupts aerosol transmission
Managing the symptoms
In case the symptoms are moderate, they can be controlled with over-the-counter medications for treating conditions like coughing, fever, congestion in the nose, and body pain. Products that include paracetamol usually work well for fever and general body pains. One widely accessible analgesic and antipyretic is paracetamol. Nasal congestions in particular are quite uncomfortable for most people, but it's easily manageable at home with several readily accessible nasal sprays (such as oxymetazoline). These are found to be very effective and work quickly because they're applied directly to the affected area and have minimal impact on the rest of the body. Although coughing is a defensive reaction, it may need to be controlled with cough suppressants. It is important to remember that one should always follow directions on the label and consult their doctor if they have any questions about usage, etc.
Those with weak immune system and/or chronic respiratory conditions are susceptible to the severe infections, hence greater care to avoid contact with HMPV is advisable.
Dr Uday Monga, MBBS, MS (ENT), DNB (ORL), Associate Consultant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
