Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentHow Long to RecoverCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
How Long to Recover
Coping
Humanmetapneumovirus(hMPV) is one of the hundreds of viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections associated with the common cold. Most people recover from an hMPV infection within seven to 10 days, although it could take longer if you have a weakened immune system or another underlying condition.
Like other respiratory infections, hMPV typically causes mild upper respiratory symptoms like cough,congestion, fever, andshortness of breath. But it may progress to a lower respiratory infection such asbronchitis(affecting the airways) orpneumonia(affecting the lungs).
This article provides an overview of human metapneumovirus along with how long it takes to recover. It also lists hMPV symptoms as well as how it is diagnosed and treated.
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Human Metapneumovirus Symptoms
Commonsymptoms you can expect with a human metapneumovirus infectioninclude:
Most people only develop mild symptoms, and some people may not develop symptoms at all. If you do develop symptoms, they’ll likely fade in a few days or so.
More serious symptoms can develop, but this is uncommon. For example, people with preexisting lung conditions may have shortness of breath with hMPV.
Additional symptoms that are unlikely but possible include:
The main way that human metapneumovirus spreads is through respiratory droplets. A person infected with metapneumovirus can transmit the virus if they cough or sneeze, for instance.
Human metapneumovirus is in the same family (paramyxovirus) as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).HMPV was discovered in 2001, but researchers believe it has been circulating for close to 70 years.
Risk Factors
While hMPV is common, not everyone will experience symptoms, or their symptoms may be mild. A healthy immune system can often fight off infections like the common cold, preventing severe symptoms from developing.
However, some people are more likely to contract cold viruses like hMPV. These include:
Unless you’re very sick and hospitalized with hMPV, there’s a high probability that you won’t even know that it’s the specific virus causing your symptoms because most people won’t even visit a healthcare provider when they have mild cold-like symptoms.
To cope with symptoms, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) products like cough syrups,decongestants, and pain relievers/fever reducers such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). These OTC drugs can’t treat the viral illness directly.
Do not give children any OTC cough or cold medications without consulting a healthcare provider first. Children should not be given aspirin or products containing aspirin.
When you have an upper respiratory infection, it’s a good idea to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity. You might also consider calling in sick to work or school or avoiding contact with others to prevent the spread of the illness.
You can also try the following to help lessen symptoms:
Human Metapneumovirus Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
How Long It Takes to Recover
Human metapneumovirus produces a mild illness in most people, and symptoms tend to clear up within 10 days.
Some people are at higher risk of complications, such as:
Complications can includebronchiolitis(inflammation of the smallest airways, most often seen in infants and toddlers),bronchitis(chest cold, inflammation of the larger airways), orpneumonia(infection of the lungs).
A bit of rest, fluids, and some OTC products to help ease symptoms will get you on your way to feeling better. If your symptoms don’t improve within a week or if they seem to get worse, it may be time to talk with a healthcare provider.
Summary
Human metapneumovirus is a virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections (the common cold). If you catch this virus, you might experience cold-like symptoms, including sniffles, sore throat, and a cough. While there’s no cure for human metapneumovirus, most cases clear up within a few days.
However, sometimes people can develop complications, like pneumonia. This is more likely in certain populations, such as infants, older people, and people who have weakened immune systems.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Human metapneumovirus (hMPV).U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human metapneumovirus.American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of hMPV?.Illinois Department of Public Health.Human metapneumovirus.Shafagati N, Williams J.Human metapneumovirus - what we know now.F1000Res. 2018;7:135. doi:10.12688/f1000research.12625.1American Lung Association.Learn about human metapneumovirus (hMPV).American Academy of Pediatrics.Common over-the-counter medications.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Human metapneumovirus (hMPV).U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human metapneumovirus.American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of hMPV?.Illinois Department of Public Health.Human metapneumovirus.Shafagati N, Williams J.Human metapneumovirus - what we know now.F1000Res. 2018;7:135. doi:10.12688/f1000research.12625.1American Lung Association.Learn about human metapneumovirus (hMPV).American Academy of Pediatrics.Common over-the-counter medications.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Human metapneumovirus (hMPV).U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human metapneumovirus.American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of hMPV?.Illinois Department of Public Health.Human metapneumovirus.Shafagati N, Williams J.Human metapneumovirus - what we know now.F1000Res. 2018;7:135. doi:10.12688/f1000research.12625.1American Lung Association.Learn about human metapneumovirus (hMPV).American Academy of Pediatrics.Common over-the-counter medications.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human metapneumovirus.
American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of hMPV?.
Illinois Department of Public Health.Human metapneumovirus.
Shafagati N, Williams J.Human metapneumovirus - what we know now.F1000Res. 2018;7:135. doi:10.12688/f1000research.12625.1
American Lung Association.Learn about human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
American Academy of Pediatrics.Common over-the-counter medications.
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