The virus can be especially dangerous to children and older adults, the World Health Organisation warns.
Health bodies have highlighted six key symptoms of a lesser-known illness that has no vaccine amid a spike in cases in the UK. Diagnoses of human metapneumovirus, also known as hMPV, have risen in the UK, according to figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
This comes as China has put emergency measures in place following a rise of hMPV cases across northern Chinese provinces. Children have been worst affected by the respiratory illness with social media posts showing an overflow of youngsters in hospitals experiencing symptoms similar to Covid.
Human metapneumovirus is one of the viruses that causes the common cold. It typically makes people only mildly sick, but in others it can be severe.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that it spreads like other common cold viruses do – through infectious respiratory particles that spread through the air from an affected person to others. “This means a person can catch the virus when they are close to a sick person or sharing a closed space with them,” it says.
Young children under the age of five and older o adults are most likely to experience a serious illness from hMPV. Those with health conditions like immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are also at higher risk for severe illness.
As reported by the UKHSA, the UK has seen a rise in cases. The latest update says: “Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) positivity increased to 4.9 percent, with the highest positivity in those aged 80 years and over at 7.3 percent.” Around 7,826 specimens were tested in total.
Symptoms
But what are the symptoms to look for? Most people infected with hMPV will have cold or flu-like symptoms that include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body ache
- Headache.
However, it can develop into something more serious. WHO explains: “It can make a few people quite sick, causing infection of the lung (pneumonia) or inflammation of the airways to the lungs (bronchiolitis, bronchitis). Symptoms of more severe disease include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue, dehydration, or a persistent fever that does not improve. If someone is experiencing any of these severe symptoms, they should seek medical advice.”
Due to its symptoms it can be “hard” to distinguish hMPV from other respiratory illnesses. WHO adds: “It is hard to tell different respiratory illnesses apart as they have similar symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and congestion. However, the treatment can differ, especially for people who are or can become very sick.
“COVID-19 and influenza have specific antiviral treatment options. Doctors may use diagnostic tests to identify the cause before deciding on the treatment.”
There is no vaccine for hMPV but you can lower your risk by:
- Wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces
- Improving ventilation where possible (such as by opening a window for air flow)
- Cleaning hands regularly and thoroughly, with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning hands first.
If you experience symptoms you can avoid making others sick by:
- Staying at home if you feel ill
- Covering nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing
- Wearing a mask when around other people
- Improving ventilation, especially in shared spaces
- Regularly cleaning hands and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
You should be able to treat symptoms at home. WHO says: “As hMPV is a cold virus, people can treat their symptoms with over-the-counter medicines to treat pain, fever, stuffy nose and cough. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated also helps.
“Currently, there is no approved antiviral medicine for hMPV. Most people feel better in a few days.” However, if symptoms get worse, you should contact your GP and those who are at higher risk should also consult their doctor.
