Human Metapneumovirus Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
MoMo Productions / Getty Images
Medically reviewed by Sameena Zahoor, MD
Human metapneumovirus (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, and shortness of breath. But it may progress to a lower respiratory infection such as bronchitis (affecting the airways) or pneumonia (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.
MoMo Productions / Getty Images
Human Metapneumovirus Symptoms
Common symptoms you can expect with a human metapneumovirus infection include:
Stuffy nose
Runny nose
Sore throat
Headache
Cough
Mild fever
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:
Wheezing
Hoarse voice
Trouble breathing
Vomiting
Causes
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.
You may also acquire the virus if you touch a surface that a person with hMPV touched or have close physical contact with them (such as by shaking hands).
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:
Infants
Young children
Older adults
Diagnosis
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.
If you see a healthcare provider, they’ll diagnose you by performing a physical exam, taking your medical history, and asking about your symptoms.
Treatment
There’s no treatment for an upper respiratory infection caused by hMPV.
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:
Put a humidifier near your bed to help ease your sore throat and cough.
Sleep more if you need to.
Make sure to drink plenty of water.
Try using a saline nasal spray to help with your blocked nose and sinuses.
Related: How Metapneumovirus Is Treated
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:
Young infants and children
Older adults
People with cancer
People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
People receiving certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy, which impact their immune system
People with chronic lung conditions like asthma
People who are pregnant
Complications can include bronchiolitis (inflammation of the smallest airways, most often seen in infants and toddlers), bronchitis (chest cold, inflammation of the larger airways), or pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
Related: Human Metapneumovirus Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know
Coping
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.
