Author: Vrinda Iyengar
HMPV, or human metapneumovirus is a virus that causes symptoms similar to a cold or flu. It is similar to RSV in that it often manifests as a cold, fever, or sore throat and spreads through respiratory droplets.
According to UC Davis Health, although HMPV can be caught year-round, it is especially prevalent during winter and spring. According to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System, which monitors viral activity in the United States, HMPV is currently spiking, especially in the Bay Area.
Similar to COVID-19, the infection typically spreads through respiratory droplets, which are often transmitted through sneezing, coughing, close personal contact, or touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
According to Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Health, although HMPV is mostly a very mild infection, it can often progress into something more serious in immunocompromised individuals. Especially in very young children and very old adults, HMPV sometimes progresses to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, and can lead to hospitalization in some cases.
Keep yourself and those around you safe from HMPV by being aware of the symptoms, which include:
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Chest congestion
- Cough
- Fever
Furthermore, it is pertinent that as HMPV spreads throughout the Bay Area, we take measures to control its spread. This can be done by:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils.
- Avoid kissing others.
- Stay at home when sick.
Remember to stay safe this spring! Read more about HMPV on the UC Davis Health Website.
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