Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
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Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. You might cough or wheeze, have a runny nose or a sore throat. Most cases are mild, but young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for serious illness. HMPV is common — most people get it before they turn 5.
Contents
Overview
Symptoms and Causes
Diagnosis and Tests
Management and Treatment
Prevention
Outlook / Prognosis
Outlook / Prognosis
Overview
Symptoms of hMPV include fever, cough,
runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throat and rash.
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The symptoms of human metapneumovirus are often similar to the common cold.
What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring.
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Most people get HMPV before they turn 5. You can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection.
Is human metapneumovirus just a cold?
Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. You’re more likely to get severely sick the first time you get HMPV, which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness. You get some protection (immunity) from your first infection and then are more likely to have mild, cold-like symptoms if you get another HMPV infection. Adults over 65 and people with breathing problems or a weakened immune system may also get severe symptoms.
How common is human metapneumovirus?
Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.
Is human metapneumovirus the same as RSV?
It’s not the same, but human metapneumovirus is similar to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). It’s part of the same genus — or scientific grouping — as RSV (Pneumovirus), and can cause similar symptoms. The peak age for severe illness from HMPV is between 6 and 12 months, but RSV is more likely to cause severe illness in infants younger than 6 months.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of HMPV include fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throat and rash.
The symptoms of human metapneumovirus are often similar to the common cold.
What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus?
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:
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Cough.
Fever.
Runny or stuffy nose.
Sore throat.
Wheezing.
Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Rash.
What causes a human metapneumovirus infection?
A virus — a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself — causes HMPV. It’s part of the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps.
How is human metapneumovirus transmitted?
HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus. For instance:
Coughing and sneezing.
Shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
Touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys.
What are the risk factors for human metapneumovirus?
Anyone can get HMPV, but you’re at a higher risk for severe illness if you:
Are younger than 5 (especially premature infants) or older than 65.
Have a weakened immune system (from conditions like HIV, cancer or autoimmune disorders, or from medications that suppress your immune system).
Have asthma or COPD.
What are the complications of human metapneumovirus?
Sometimes HMPV causes complications. These might be serious and require you to be hospitalized. They include:
Bronchiolitis.
Bronchitis.
Pneumonia.
Asthma or COPD flare-ups.
Ear infection (otitis media).
Diagnosis and Tests
How is human metapneumovirus diagnosed?
Healthcare providers usually diagnose HMPV based on your symptoms and health history. They might use a soft-tipped stick (swab) to get a sample from your nose or throat. A lab tests the sample for viruses and other infections. Keep in mind that you probably won’t be tested for HMPV unless you have serious symptoms.
Sometimes, your provider may also do a bronchoscopy or chest X-rays to look for changes in the airways of your lungs.
Management and Treatment
How is human metapneumovirus treated?
There aren’t any antiviral medications that treat human metapneumovirus. Most people can manage their symptoms at home until they feel better.
If you or your child are severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. There, healthcare providers can monitor your condition and help prevent you from getting sicker. They might treat you with:
Oxygen therapy. If you’re having a hard time breathing, a provider may give you extra oxygen through a tube in your nose or mask on your face.
IV fluids. Fluids delivered directly to your vein (IV) can keep you hydrated.
Corticosteroids. Steroids can reduce inflammation and might ease some of your symptoms.
Do you need antibiotics for human metapneumovirus?
No. Antibiotics only treat bacteria. Since HMPV is a virus, antibiotics won’t get rid of it. Sometimes people who get pneumonia from HMPV also get a bacterial infection at the same time (secondary infection). If your provider prescribes antibiotics, it would be to treat any secondary infections.
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Prevention
Can you prevent a human metapneumovirus infection?
You can reduce your risk of getting HMPV and other infectious diseases by:
Washing your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your nose and mouth — with your elbow, not your bare hand — when you sneeze or cough.
Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with a cold or other contagious diseases.
Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick and can’t avoid being around others.
Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.
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Outlook / Prognosis
How long does human metapneumovirus last?
Mild cases of human metapneumovirus usually last a few days to a week. If you’re very sick, it’ll probably take longer to feel better. You might also have lingering symptoms, like a cough, that take longer to go away.
How do I take care of myself?
You can manage mild, cold-like symptoms of HMPV at home by:
Drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications like pain relievers, decongestants and cough suppressants to help your symptoms. Don’t give medications to kids without asking their pediatrician first — some medications that are OK for adults aren’t safe for kids.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Contact a healthcare provider if:
You or your child has symptoms of a respiratory infection and an underlying condition that puts you or them at an elevated risk for severe illness.
Your symptoms or 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.
When should I go to the ER?
Go to the ER or seek immediate medical attention if you or your child has symptoms of severe illness, including:
High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit /40 degrees Celsius).
Difficulty breathing.
Bluish skin, lips or nails (cyanosis).
Worsening of other health conditions.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
It might be helpful to ask your healthcare provider:
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What over-the-counter medications can I use?
How do I treat my symptoms at home?
What severe symptoms should I look out for?
When should I go to the ER?
When should I follow up with you?
How long might it take to feel better?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. If you’re older than 5, you’ve probably already had it at least once. Most of the time, you’ll get better at home in a few days. But sometimes HMPV can cause serious complications. Young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for severe illness. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about HMPV. Seek medical care right away if you or your child is having trouble breathing or if you have other signs of serious illness.
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Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes an upper respiratory infection (like a cold). It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to RSV and the flu.
Learn About Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)
Anyone can be infected with hMPV but it is most common in children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. It spreads through close contact with an infected person and, in most cases, will go away on its own after a few days.
Read More
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) Symptoms and Diagnosis
People with hMPV usually have mild symptoms similar to a cold, but young children, older adults and those with a weakened immune system may develop a more severe illness.
Read More
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) Treatment and Recovery
Most hMPV infections only last about 2-5 days and go away on their own. Treatment consists of supportive care to ease symptoms.
Read More
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)
Many times, patients with severe hMPV are very young, so they rely on a caregiver to talk to their doctor. Here are some questions to ask on their behalf.
Read More
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Last reviewed on 06/20/2023.
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Lung Disease & Respiratory Health/Reference
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on December 17, 2024Written by Shishira Sreenivas
6 min read
What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, is a type of common respiratory virus. It belongs to a family of viruses called pneumoviridae – the same group the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to.
If you have HMPV, you might have mild cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, or a sore throat for a few days. In rare cases, you might have more serious symptoms, especially if you have a weakened immune system or other risk factors. Anyone can get it, but it's more common in those who are very young or older.
Dutch scientists discovered it over 20 years ago. But research now shows it's been the source of respiratory infections around the world for more than 50 years.
photo of young woman reading digital thermometer
Most people have human metapneumovirus (HMPV) before the age of 5. HMPV can be more serious in babies younger than 6 months, people older than 65, or those with a weakened immune system. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images)
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How Common Is HMPV?
It's very common. In fact, research shows that most people are likely to have an infection at least once before age 5. You can be infected multiple times in your life. In children, human metapneumovirus makes up about 1 in 10 of all respiratory infections. Anyone can get HMPV, but some groups are more at risk.
Who Is at Risk of Human Metapneumovirus Infections?
While anyone can get HMPV, those at higher risk are:
Newborns
Children under 5
People who are older than 65
People with asthma who use steroids
Those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Those with a weakened immune system due to conditions like cancer or HIV, or who've had an organ transplant
Is Human Metapneumovirus Contagious?
Like any virus, human metapneumovirus is contagious, which means you can get it if you come in contact with someone who's been infected. It’s also seasonal. This means that in the U.S., you’re more likely to get HMPV during winter or early spring months – around the same time as flu season.
How Does Human Metapneumovirus Spread?
The virus largely spreads when you come in close contact with an infected person. You might become exposed to the virus if you:
Touch surfaces that contain the virus
Touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after you touch infected surfaces
Come in contact with droplets from an infected person through things like sneezing, spitting, or coughing
Have close contact, such as handshakes and touching
Once human metapneumovirus enters your body, the incubation period – the time between exposure to the first signs of symptoms – is three to six days.
Human Metapneumovirus Symptoms
Most HMPV symptoms are mild. They can include:
Coughing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Fever
Sore throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
These usually go away in two to five days. But they can worsen and cause serious health issues in some cases. Adults with other health issues or a compromised immune system can sometimes get a severe middle ear infection with human metapneumovirus. If your symptoms last more than two weeks or become severe, let your doctor know.
How Serious Is Human Metapneumovirus?
A small number of people can have more serious HMPV symptoms, such as:
Wheezing
Asthma flare-ups
A hard time breathing
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Bronchitis
Severe bronchiolitis (Most common in children, this chest infection can be fatal in rare cases.)
Pneumonia
Suggested Questions
Babies under 1 may have a hard time feeding properly. Studies show that HMPV infections make up about 5% to 10% of hospitalizations among children. Data shows that up to 16% of them may get a serious complication, like pneumonia.
If you notice serious symptoms, tell your doctor or seek medical care right away. You might need to be hospitalized so that doctors can closely monitor your symptoms.
Human Metapneumovirus vs. COVID-19
Human metapneumovirus and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms – a runny nose, coughing, a fever, congestion, a sore throat, and shortness of breath. They spread in similar ways too. In their most serious forms, both can lead to hospitalization. But unlike COVID-19, there isn't antiviral therapy or a vaccine to treat HMPV. HMPV is a seasonal virus, typically appearing in winter and spring, as opposed to COVID-19, which can sometimes circulate year-round due to the development of new variants.
Studies have shown that incidences of HMPV increased three-fold in certain countries after the COVID-19 pandemic. When COVID-19 prevention measures were in full effect, people were less exposed to all types of respiratory illnesses. After these measures eased, respiratory illnesses like HMPV surged.
Human Metapneumovirus Diagnosis
Typically, your doctor will do a detailed physical exam and ask you about your personal and family medical histories.
They may take swabs from your nose, mouth, or throat. They might order a lab test called a rapid antigen test or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to check for the virus.
If you, or your child, has severe symptoms, your doctor may do a bronchoscopy. In that procedure, they insert a thin tube with a camera on its tip through your throat. They use that to collect a fluid sample to check for the virus.
Human Metapneumovirus Treatment
There’s no specific treatment or cure. Since most symptoms are mild and go away on their own, you’ll just need supportive care to manage your symptoms while you get well.
To help ease your symptoms in the meantime, you can:
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to ease symptoms like fever, pain, and coughing
Use decongestants to help with stuffiness or a runny nose
Use an inhaler to help with breathing problems like wheezing or coughing
Use a corticosteroid nasal spray to ease pressure inside your nose
Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid like prednisone to help with inflammation.
Can You Prevent Human Metapneumovirus Infections?
There's no vaccine to prevent HMPV. But since it spreads through close contact, there are some ways to help protect yourself and avoid infection.
You can lower the risk to yourself and others by:
Staying away from people who are sick
Washing your hands with soap and water for least 20 seconds before touching your mouth, eyes, or nose
Keeping current on vaccinations and seeing your doctor for regular checkups
Covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Try to cough into your elbow away from others.
Using alcohol wipes or sanitizers after you sneeze or cough onto your hands
Not touching high-contact surfaces like hand railings or doorknobs
Takeaways
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes cold-like respiratory symptoms. Most people get HMPV before the age of 5, and the symptoms are typically mild. But babies under 12 months, adults over 65, and those with weakened immunity have a risk of getting a more serious illness. HMPV is part of the same virus family as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), but they are not the same.
Human Metapneumovirus FAQs
How long are you contagious with human metapneumovirus?
HMPV takes about three to six days to develop, and symptoms last about as long as other mild respiratory viruses, from two to seven days.
Can you get HMPV twice?
Yes, you can get it more than once, but symptoms are typically milder after your first bout with it.
How do you get tested for human metapneumovirus?
Unless symptoms are serious, you usually aren't tested for HMPV. If you are tested, you doctor typically gets a sample by swabbing your nose or throat. Sometimes your doctor might order a chest X-ray or bronchoscopy.
How long does it take to recover from HMPV?
If you don't have a serious case, it usually takes a couple of days to a week to recover from HMPV. Symptoms like coughing may last a bit longer. Call your doctor if your symptoms, or your child's, don't get better after a few days, or if a fever lasts for more than three days.
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