Human metapneumovirus (HMPV): A common cause of respiratory illness (1)

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Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
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Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)

• The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the
  most common viral pathogens responsible for
  respiratory illness. It belongs to a group of
  similar viruses that include respiratory
  syncytial virus (RSV) and para-influenza virus.
  Human metapneumovirus can range in severity from
  asymptomatic to acute. Though the virus can occur
  at any age, the populations most at risk are the
  very young, patients with compromised immune
  systems and the elderly. It often presents as
  severe wheezing in paediatric patients, but can
  also cause pneumonia. Human metapneumovirus was
  first identified in 2001. The widespread nature
  of the antibodies specific to HMPV, found in
  human blood samples from various laboratories,
  suggests that the viral pathogen has been a cause
  of respiratory infections in humans for over 50
  years.

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Symptoms

• Human metapneumovirus most often causes upper
  respiratory symptoms, including nasal congestion,
  runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Flu-like
  symptoms, such as fever, body aches, and vomiting
  may also result from HMPV. Less common conditions
  associated with the virus include bronchiolitis, c
  onjunctivitis, otitis media, diarrhoea, and rash.
  Infection with the human metapneumovirus can
  worsen symptoms in patients with asthma, and may
  cause difficulty breathing and more severe
  respiratory illness in the very young, elderly or
  immune-compromised patients. The virus may also
  be present with no clinical manifestations. The
  human metapneumovirus is most often spread
  through direct or close contact with respiratory
  secretions from those who have been infected.

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Symptoms
Continue

• The virus can also be spread through contact
  with objects contaminated with respiratory
  secretions from an infected person. Once exposed,
  the person may develop symptoms within three to
  five days. Re-infection with HMPV may occur,
  though symptoms tend to be milder after the
  initial infection.

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Treatments

• Treatment of human metapneumovirus may include
  medications to minimize symptoms. Fever reducers,
  antihistamines, and treatments to improve
  breathing can be particularly helpful. The spread
  of HMPV may be prevented through proper and
  frequent hand-washing, covering the mouth and
  nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and
  prompt disposal of the contaminated
  tissue. Since vaccine is not available at the
  moment, you can prevent human metapneumovirus by
  following the below guidelines 
• Build up good body immunity by having a proper
  diet, regular exercise and adequate
  rest, reducing stress and avoid smoking.

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Treatments
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• Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.
• Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing
  and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge
  properly.
• Wash hands after sneezing, coughing, toileting
  and before eating.
• Maintain good indoor ventilation and avoid
  crowded places where the ventilation is not good.
• Infected persons should avoid contact with
  children or those with low body resistance.

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