Julie Hambleton

Julie Hambleton

January 16, 2025

Experts Caution About ‘Hidden’ HMPV Symptoms Often Mistaken for the Flu

There is a new, but not-so-new, virus that seems to be on the rise: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Experts are raising concerns about the so-called ‘hidden’ symptoms of HMPV. These are symptoms that are frequently mistaken for the flu. This is everything that you need to know about the virus and how to keep you and those around you safe.

What is HMPV?

Flu, fever and mother with sick girl for health, virus or infection symptoms in bedroom. Family, childcare and hands of parent with child at home in bed to check temperature for cold, illness and flu
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HMPV, short for human metapneumovirus, is a virus first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. It spreads through direct contact between people or when someone touches a contaminated surface. Transmission is similar to that of any cold or flu virus: Via body fluids, like when someone sneezes, or touching the same surface that someone with the virus has touched and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. It typically causes a mild upper respiratory tract infection for most individuals, closely resembling the flu or perhaps even just the common cold. HMPV has actually been circulating in humans for 50 years, if not longer, all around the world. It is most common in children, and is actually much more common than we think. HMPV is a member of the paramyxovirus family, which also includes the measles virus. The virus has two major surface proteins: F and G. These proteins are responsible for attaching to host cells and allowing the virus to enter them. This is when you become infected.

What are the symptoms and how does it spread?

Hispanic man with beard looks unwell holding thermometer in bedroom setting.
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The symptoms for most people include a cough, fever, and a blocked nose. Essentially, it will be just like any other cold or flue you’ve likely had in your life. As always, It poses a greater risk to the very young, particularly children under two, those with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV and cancer, and the elderly. HMPV can be spread through direct contact, such as kissing, or via touching contaminated surfaces. Children are the most likely to catch it, and doctors estimate that 90% of children catch HMPV before the age of 5. Though it can lead to pneumonia, this is rare, and most children are completely fine. As always, if your child is sick and is running a fever, make sure to consult your pediatrician.

What is causing cases to rise in China and other countries?

BANGKOK, THAILAND - MAR 2020 : Crowd of unrecognizable business people wearing surgical mask for prevent coronavirus Outbreak in rush hour working day on March 18, 2020 at Bangkok transportation
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HMPV is most active during late winter and spring, as viruses survive better in cold temperatures and can pass more easily from one person to another when people spend more time indoors. The recent surge in HMPV cases in China and other countries is likely the normal seasonal increase seen in winter, similar to what is being experienced in the US.

Is HMPV on the rise in the United States?

Richmond Hill,Georgia/United States-July 25 2020: “Stop , Mask required “sign in front of Kroger store .To stop the spread of Coronavirus, lots of businesses require people to wear mask while in store
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Yes, the US is also experiencing a growth in HMPV rates. This is nothing to worry about, experts say, as this is in line with the normal seasonal trends seen during winter. This is largely because HMPV is a virus that thrives in cold weather, so the winter is the perfect season for it to spread. Most viruses spread more easily in the cold because our mucus membranes, which protect us from viruses, are more dried out.

Could this become another global pandemic?

world Corona virus attack concept. world/earth put mask to fight against Corona virus. Concept of fight against virus, danger and public health risk disease.Many Virus attack isolated on green
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Health experts are saying that fears of a Covid-style pandemic are fairly overblown. Unlike Covid, which was caused by a new, relatively unkown virus, HMPV has been globally present for decades. This means that people across the world do already have some existing immunity thanks to previous exposure to it. Experts are explaining to us that most adults alive right now have already had the virus at least once in their lifetime, if not several times.

Who is most vulnerable and how do we protect them?

Pensive black man looking through the window and wearing face mask while commuting by bus during coronavirus pandemic.
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As already stated, the very young, elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to HMPV. These are the people who are more likely to have serious complications from catching it. Health officials recommend taking sensible precautions to avoid catching HMPV and other respiratory illnesses. This is not unlike some of the COVID-era advice, including wearing masks in crowded places, washing hands regularly, and considering getting vaccinated against other respiratory conditions such as the flu. All of these actions will not only protect you from getting sick, but it can also protect those around, most importantly the more vulnerable.

What to do if you think you are sick

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If you get sick and are worried that it might be HMPV, it’s important to seek medical attention. This particularly so if you or someone are in frequent contact with are in a high-risk category. If you are not a high risk person, this will depend on how sick you feel. In many cases, it may be wiser to stay home so that you do not infect other people. There is no vaccine for this illness and antibiotics do not work, as they are for bacterial infections, not viruses.

The Bottom Line

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The big take away here is that, no, we are not on the brink of another global pandemic. Most people you know, including yourself, have actually already had this virus. Most people will get it, usually when they are a child. As always, it’s the vulnerable we need to think about. It’s important to stay informed about HMPV and take necessary precautions to protect vulnerable individuals from this respiratory illness. If you’re sick, stay home. Keep out of close contact with other people. Wear a mask if needed and don’t visit any vulnerable people or populations until you are sure you are no longer contagious. If we think about others over our own needs, we can protect each other.

Read More: The New Leading Infectious Disease: COVID-19 No Longer Top of the List