The number of confirmed cases of this "young" virus has increased, and it likes to "take heavy measures" against children and the elderly. Learn about prevention methods quickly →

Respiratory diseases are more common in winter

In addition to influenza and mycoplasma infections

Human hemiplegia virus strikes quietly!

Recently, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention released

National surveillance of respiratory infectious diseases

Acute respiratory infectious diseases continue to rise

Human metapneumovirus infection is increasing

Regional differences in the positive rates of nucleic acid tests for major pathogens in respiratory samples in week 50 (Source: China CDC)

What is human metapneumovirus?

Is it a new virus?

Is it highly contagious?

Are the symptoms severe after becoming ill?

This article will give you detailed information!

“Young” human metapneumovirus Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common virus that causes acute respiratory infections.

Compared with traditional respiratory infection viruses such as influenza, human metapneumovirus is relatively "young" and was discovered relatively late . In 2001, Dutch scholars first detected the virus in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children with respiratory infections caused by unknown pathogens.

Although discovered relatively late, serological studies have shown that it has existed in humans for more than 60 years and is distributed throughout the world.

Morphological observation of HMPV under electron microscope (Source: China Center for Disease Control and Prevention) Symptoms of human metapneumovirus infection

Is it similar to the flu?

When the disease occurs, the symptoms are similar to those of influenza, but the main manifestations of human metapneumovirus infection are colds, with symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose , while influenza virus will cause high fever and general fatigue .
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific medicine for human metapneumovirus, and treatment measures are mostly symptomatic supportive treatment.

Like to use heavy hands on children and the elderly

The incubation period of human metapneumovirus infection is generally 3 to 6 days. The entire population is susceptible , but the severity of symptoms varies from person to person.

1. Common symptoms: upper respiratory tract infection symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath;

2. Mild infection: For most people, human metapneumovirus infection manifests as a self-limiting disease, and most people's symptoms gradually improve in about 1 week;

3. Severe infection: Human metapneumovirus may cause severe lower respiratory tract infection in the following high-risk groups:

① Children under 5 years old: may cause bronchiolitis or severe pneumonia;

② Elderly people: may induce lung infection or worsen asthma;

③ People with weakened immunity: such as those who have received organ transplants or hematopoietic stem cell transplants, may develop severe lung inflammation after infection.

Therefore, children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems must pay close attention to changes in their condition and seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing and persistent high fever.

How is human metapneumovirus spread?

Human metapneumovirus is spread similarly to most respiratory viruses, primarily through the following routes:

Image source: China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1. Droplet transmission: When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus will spread through droplets;

2. Contact transmission: Close contact with people infected with human metapneumovirus, or touching contaminated objects (such as door handles, mobile phones, toys, etc.), and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth, causing the virus to enter the body.

It is important to note that human metapneumovirus immunity is short-lived, which means that people may be infected repeatedly. This virus is particularly threatening to children and is one of the main causes of acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years old .

How to prevent it?

- Good habits: Develop good hygiene habits such as washing hands frequently and wearing masks;

Frequent ventilation: Open windows regularly every day to keep indoor air unobstructed;

Less gathering: Try to avoid places where there are crowds or confined spaces;

Improve immunity: eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and maintain a regular schedule.

Finally, I would like to remind you

Maintain a good life routine

It is best to wear a mask when going to crowded places

Wash hands frequently, ventilate frequently, and disinfect scientifically

It can effectively reduce the chance of infection!