Human Virus Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Facts That Look Like Ordinary Colds

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) (Freepik) virus facts

YOGYAKARTA - Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that often causes respiratory tract infection, especially in children and the elderly.

Although not as popular as the influenza virus or COVID-19, HMPV has long been circulating in the community and has contributed to a number of cases of respiratory disease.

This article will explore in-depth the characteristics, symptoms, transmission, and efforts to prevent HMPV infection.

Reporting from the WHO page, human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the viruses that causes regular colds (upper respiratory tract infections).

Usually only causes mild disease, but it can make some people seriously ill.

This virus belongs to the Pneumoviridae virus family, along with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus was also first identified in 2001 and has been spreading among humans for decades. This virus was discovered worldwide.

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In addition, this virus also spreads like other common cold viruses, through infectious respiratory particles that spread through the air from sick people to others.

Thus, it means that a person can catch a virus when they are close to a sick person or share a closed space with them.

This virus can also enter the body by touching a contaminated surface such as a door button or handle and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

Few countries are monitoring and reporting trends for hMPV, so we don't fully understand how it spreads across all regions and climates.

Studies show that in moderately climated areas, hMPV mainly spreads at the end of winter and spring, along with other common respiratory viruses such as seasonal flu and RSV.

However, this virus continues to spread at lower levels and makes some people sick throughout the year. In general, people infected with hMPV will experience symptoms such as flu or a cold like this:

This virus can make some people quite sick, causing lung infection (pneumonia) or inflammation of the air channel into the lungs (broncholitis, bronchitis).

Symptoms of more severe disease include irritants, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue, dehydration, or persistent and unfavorable fever.

HMPV is a common cause of upper respiratory tract infection in infants and children under 5 years old.

Although anyone can be infected with HMPV, infants, elderly adults, and those with health conditions such as immune system disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PPOK), and asthma are at higher risk of developing severe disease.

To that end, extra attention must be given to protect risk groups and health workers from all types of respiratory infections.

Preventing HMPV infection is similar to preventing other respiratory diseases with actions such as:

In addition, having a strong immune system can also help prevent infection. Then consuming balanced food, exercising regularly, and sleeping is also quite helpful.

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