Common Symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)

on

 

Common Symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus that commonly affects people of all ages but is particularly severe in infants, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. It causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and its symptoms often resemble those of other respiratory illnesses like the flu or the common cold.

Common Symptoms

  1. Mild Symptoms:

    • Runny or stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
    • Sore throat.
    • Cough (dry or productive).
    • Fever (low-grade to moderate).
    • Hoarseness or loss of voice.

  2. Moderate Symptoms:

    • Shortness of breath.
    • Wheezing.
    • Fatigue or weakness.
    • Body aches or muscle pain.

  3. Severe Symptoms (Lower Respiratory Tract Infections):

    • Bronchitis or bronchiolitis.
    • Pneumonia.
    • Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
    • Cyanosis (bluish tint to lips or skin due to lack of oxygen).

  4. Symptoms in High-Risk Groups:

    • Infants: Difficulty feeding, irritability, rapid breathing, or apnea.
    • Older adults: Exacerbation of underlying conditions like asthma or COPD.

Symptoms Overlap with Other Infections

hMPV symptoms are similar to:

  • Influenza (Flu): High fever, body aches, and fatigue.
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Common in infants and causes bronchiolitis.
  • COVID-19: Fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Proper diagnosis often requires laboratory testing, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen tests, to confirm hMPV.

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Persistent high fever.
  • Severe difficulty breathing.
  • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urine output).
  • Bluish skin or lips (cyanosis).

Early medical intervention can prevent complications, especially in vulnerable populations.

Comments

Post a Comment