As you would anticipate this time of year there are increasing respiratory infections. Some people are nervous about the human metapneumovirus and that it may lead to another pandemic. However, health officials reassured the public by saying that, China and other countries are simply experiencing the seasonal increase in hMPV typically seen in winter.
As the human metapneumovirus has been within the community for many years a pandemic is unlikely. First identified in the Netherlands in 2001. It is related to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus and the Parainfluenza viruses.
HMPV is most active during late winter and spring. This is because viruses survive better in the cold and can pass more easily from one person to another as people spend more time indoors with closed windows.
In northern China, the current hMPV spike coincides with low temperatures that are expected to last until March.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring rates of flu-like illness across the Northern hemisphere, stated that it has not received any reports of unusual outbreaks anywhere. “The observed increases in acute respiratory infections and associated pathogen detections in many countries in the Northern hemisphere in recent weeks is expected at this time of year and is not unusual. The co-circulation of respiratory pathogens may pose a burden to health facilities.”
The incidence of hMPV in the UK has risen steadily since October 2024. The latest data shows the percentage of people testing positive for the disease rose sharply in the third week of December and remained at that higher level the following week. The UKHSA says this is completely in line with normal seasonal trends, and the level of the disease being seen in GP surgeries and hospitals is as expected.
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages, but it’s most often seen in young children.
What are the symptoms of hMPV infection? The virus usually causes symptoms like other upper respiratory infections and cannot be easily distinguished from ‘flu. Symptoms for most people include a cough, a fever and blocked nose.
Other symptoms include
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Severe cases of hMPV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. While many people experience mild symptoms, hMPV can cause severe illness in some individuals, particularly infants, especially premature infants, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems and people with chronic conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or lung disease.
Like most respiratory infections, hMPV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is highly contagious and can spread quickly in close-contact settings, such as schools, daycare centres, and hospitals.
The treatment of hMPV infection is little apart from rest and rehydration as it usually resolves without any active treatment.
How can you prevent the spread of hMPV?
Follow good hygiene with thorough and frequent hand washing.
Catch your sneezes and dispose of tissues securely.
Avoid contact with those who are unwell (and may have hMPV).
Disinfecting frequently.
Wearing a mask in crowded places.
Avoiding crowds where possible if you are at higher risk of more severe illness.
There is no specific vaccine for hMPV, some vaccines that protect against other respiratory viruses (like influenza) may offer some level of protection and prevent other infections leading to an extra respiratory infection. People may also wish to consider getting vaccinated against other respiratory conditions such as the flu.
In the UK, pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79 are advised to get the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (RSV). The RSV is a common infection that causes coughs and colds but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults.