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What is human metapneumovirus? -

The disease in question is human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory disease.

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Seasonal disorder -

It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the flu.

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A potentially deadly virus -

Like RSV, human metapneumovirus is in the Pneumoviridae family, which makes it a potentially deadly virus.

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Who's most at risk? -

Anyone can be infected with hMPV, but it is most common in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

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Children and hMPV -

Most children who get infected with hMPV are age five or younger. Of these, a small number (5-16%) infected will develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia.

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The elderly and hMPV -

Older people infected with hMPV are also prone to pneumonia or other respiratory disorders such as bronchiolitis or bronchitis, according to the American Lung Association.

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Weakened immune system -

Others at risk of contracting hMPV are those with weakened immune systems, perhaps as a result of chemotherapy or post organ transplant. And anyone with an underlying lung disease will always be susceptible to hMPV.

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Signs and symptoms -

Common symptoms of hMPV include cough, sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath—the same signs as influenza or COVID-19. And therein lies the dilemma. The hMPV pathogen is often missed because of its similarity with these more familiar respiratory disorders.

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A little-known medical condition -

Human metapneumovirus was discovered in 2001, but while use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of hMPV, the disease for the most part has remained under the public radar.

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Surprisingly common -

But studies over the last four years or so have shown that hMPV was just as common as RSV and flu in pensioners in hospital, according to the UK's Mirror newspaper.

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Youngsters at risk -

Furthermore, hMPV was the second most common cause of respiratory infections in kids behind RSV in the last 25 years.

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Cases of hMPV on the rise -

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recorded a spike in cases of hMPV across the United States, though few citizens seem to be aware of the exact nature of the virus.

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Not aware of the danger -

More worryingly, most people appear ignorant as to the dangers of this potentially fatal virus.

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Testing for the virus -

But the CDC also reported a willingness by the general public to learn more about hMPV and its effect on their health.

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Transmission -

Transmission of hMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through secretions from coughing and sneezing.

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Close contact -

Human metapneumovirus can also be passed through close personal contact with infected persons, such as touching or shaking hands.

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Spread of secretions -

Spread of the virus is also promoted by contact with objects and surfaces contaminated by their secretions, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

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Circulation period -

Human metapneumovirus circulates in distinct annual cycles, beginning in winter and lasting until or through spring. Confusingly, RSV and influenza can circulate simultaneously during the respiratory virus season.

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When to see your doctor -

Mild symptoms of hMPV can be treated with over-the-counter medications to control pain, fever, and congestion. Recovery usually takes about 10 days. 

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More severe symptoms -

However, patients with more severe symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath should make an appointment to see their doctor, after which a temporary inhaler and steroids may be prescribed.

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Treatment is purely supportive -

According to the CDC, there is currently no specific antiviral therapy to treat hMPV and no vaccine to prevent hMPV. Medical care is purely supportive.

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Prevention -

Methods of preventing the spread of hMPV will be familiar to millions, as procedures closely follow those of confining COVID-19. In the first instance, avoid touching people who are infected, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

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Do not touch! -

Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

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Keep your distance -

It's important to avoid close contact with people who are sick, or who show any signs of having contracted hMPV.

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Clean contaminated surfaces -

Get into the habit of wiping down possible contaminated surfaces, things like tabletops and doorknobs. Doing so may help prevent the spread of the virus.

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Association with pneumonia -

Be aware that hMPV is associated with an increased risk of developing bacterial pneumonia. This condition is typically treated with antibiotics.

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Take precautions -

People with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis should always take precautions to protect themselves from hMPV, influenza, and other contagious diseases.

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Relatively new virus -

The fact that hMPV is a recently recognized respiratory virus means healthcare professionals may not routinely consider or test for the disease.

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Greater awareness -

"[But] there's a much greater attention to identifying the cause of (infections) than we've ever had before," assures Dr. Rick Malley, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, during an interview with USA Today.

Sources: (CNN) (American Lung Association) (Mirror) (CDC) (USA Today) (The New Voice of Ukraine)

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