HMPV: A dangerous and easily transmissible virus that poses a risk of pneumonia

HMPV Human Metapneumovirus Infection is an acute respiratory disease that can affect people of all genders and ages, and it is important to be aware of it as it can spread at any time, especially during cold weather and can lead to severe pneumonia or lung inflammation. The symptoms of the disease are similar to influenza and RSV, but less severe, and there is no preventive vaccine. Therefore, one should see a doctor promptly for proper treatment

What is HMPV?

HMPV is the Human Metapneumovirus (Human Metapneumovirus) which is a virus in the Pneumoviridae family that includes the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) that causes respiratory infections in both the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system at any age, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity. The HMPV was first discovered in 2001, and now it is increasingly detected through molecular diagnostic techniques.

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

The symptoms of HMPV are similar to other respiratory diseases, with an incubation period of about 3 – 6 days and the duration of illness depending on the severity of the disease, which includes:

• Cough
• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• If severe, it may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia

How does HMPV spread?

HMPV often spreads at the same time as RSV and influenza, spreading via

• Droplets from coughing or sneezing
• Close contact, such as shaking hands, etc.
• Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth

Who are the at-risk groups for HMPV?

• Seniors aged over 60 years
• Individuals with chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, etc.
• Individuals with weakened immune systems such as cancer patients or HIV, etc.

How is HMPV diagnosed?

HMPV diagnosis can be conducted during the HMPV outbreak season using the following methods:

• Virus genetic material testing (NAAT) – PCR
• Virus protein testing from respiratory secretions (Swab Test for Antigen)

How is HMPV treated?

Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug or vaccine for HMPV, so the treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, such as:

• Administering fever-reducing medication
• Drinking enough water
• Respiratory care such as providing oxygen in severe cases, etc.

How should HMPV patients take care of themselves?

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Do not share glasses or cutlery with others
• Clean surfaces that may be contaminated, such as door knobs, etc.

How can HMPV be prevented?

Although there is no specific vaccine for HMPV, the risk can be reduced as follows:

• Wash hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face without washing hands
• Avoid close contact with HMPV patients

How does HMPV lead to pneumonia?

If the body is infected with the HMPV virus through the respiratory system, the virus will multiply in the respiratory tract cells, causing inflammation and tissue damage, leading to abnormalities and severe pneumonia.

Is there a vaccine to prevent HMPV?

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent Human Metapneumovirus Infection HMPV, so the best prevention is to wear a mask, avoid close contact with infected people, refrain from picking your nose or putting your hands in your mouth, and wash your hands frequently to reduce the chance of viral infections.

How is HMPV different from other respiratory diseases?

Human Metapneumovirus Infection (HMPV) differs from Influenza (Influenza), RSV, COVID-19, and Common Cold (Common Cold) as follows:

Respiratory Diseases	HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus)	Influenza (Influenza)	RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)	COVID-19 (COVID-19)	Common Cold (Common Cold)
Infection	Viral infection from the Paramyxoviridae family, similar to RSV	Influenza virus A/B	Virus causing lower respiratory tract infections	SARS-CoV-2 virus	Various viruses, such as Rhinovirus
At-risk Groups	Found in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity	All genders and ages	Harmful to young children and the elderly	All genders and ages	All genders and ages
Symptoms	Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, similar to RSV but less severe	High fever, muscle aches, fatigue, cough sore throat	Cough, difficulty breathing, bronchitis	Fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste, smell other systemic symptoms such as muscle pain	Runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat milder symptoms than other respiratory diseases
Outbreak	Seasonal outbreaks	Seasonal outbreaks	Seasonal outbreaks	Quick spread and affects other organ systems	Close contact with infected individuals
Vaccine Prevention	No preventive vaccine	Has preventive vaccine	Has preventive vaccine	Has preventive vaccine	No preventive vaccine, resolves on its own

Since HMPV is a respiratory disease with no specific treatment, it should be prevented by washing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining cleanliness to effectively reduce the risk of HMPV.

Hospitals Ready to Care for HMPV

Bangkok Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic is ready to treat HMPV, the Human Metapneumovirus Infection, with specialist doctors and a multidisciplinary team providing close care to ensure that patients return to healthy daily life.

Doctors Specialized in Treating HMPV

Dr..Chayapon Cheetanom, Internist, Bangkok Hospital

You can click here to make an appointment yourself