How are Human Metapneumovirus infections contracted?

By Cristiano Antonino On Sep 1, 2022

Human metapneumovirus (human metapneumovirus) infections are transmitted through droplets of respiratory secretions released into the air by infected individuals or through contact with surfaces or materials contaminated by the microbe

Symptoms and diseases associated with Human Metapneumovirus Infections

Human metapneumovirus is, together with respiratory syncytial virus, one of the most frequent known causes of lower respiratory tract disease in children.

This germ can, however, also cause upper airway infections in individuals of any age.

The symptoms of the infection can vary greatly in both type and severity.

These include:

high fever
myalgia
rhinorrhoea
dyspnoea
tachypnoea
wheezing

Health problems associated with human metapneumovirus infection include

bronchiolitis, sometimes associated with pneumonia
asthma exacerbations
otitis media
pneumonia
influenza-like syndromes
exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

What are human metapneumovirus infections?

The human metapneumovirus is an RNA virus classified in the subfamily Pneumovirinae of the family Paramyxoviridae.

Care and treatment

There are no specific treatments for human metapneumovirus infections.

Studies suggest that ribavirin, a molecule with broad-spectrum antiviral activity (i.e. effective against many viruses), may also be effective in treating infections associated with this microbe; in particular, it appears that ribavirin may reduce virus replication in the lungs and inflammation in the lungs.

However, the use of this antiviral has not yet entered into practice, and at present the treatment of human metapneumovirus infection consists only of antipyretic therapies, adequate hydration, treatment of respiratory symptoms and, in the most severe cases, administration of supplementary oxygen and mechanical ventilation.

At present, there is not even a vaccine that can protect against the infection.

Therefore, the best weapon against human metapneumovirus to date are proper hygiene practices that reduce the risk of the virus entering the body, such as washing hands thoroughly.

Disclaimer: The information provided represents general advice and in no way replaces medical advice. If you feel unwell, you should contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.

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