The Virus Everyone's Talking About: hMPV

There’s been a lot of talk about human metapneumovirus (hMPV) recently. After what we went through with COVID-19, it’s understandable that parents are concerned about unfamiliar viruses. Even well-known ones like influenza and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) are making the news more often than they used to.

It’s important to note that hMPV is not a new virus. It’s been recognized in the medical community for over 20 years. In fact, it was new when I began my medical training, and even then, it was described as “the new RSV.” Whenever we saw children coming in with RSV-like symptoms but testing negative for RSV, we considered that hMPV might be the cause. This highlights how its role in pediatric respiratory illnesses has long been understood by healthcare professionals.

Like RSV, hMPV is a respiratory illness that typically appears during respiratory illness season, meaning late fall to early spring. Its seasonal pattern is like influenza in that way. Also, like influenza and COVID-19, hMPV has variants that dominate during certain seasons and then fade as others emerge. Parents often ask about the difference between RSV and hMPV, and while they have some similarities, they are distinct viruses.

Unlike COVID-19, influenza, or RSV, we currently do not have a directly targeted treatment for hMPV. This means we rely on supportive care to manage symptoms, like we do for RSV in older children. Supportive care may include making sure kids stay hydrated, using fever-reducing medications when needed, and monitoring for complications.

Fortunately, most cases of hMPV are mild. That said, there are instances where the illness can become more severe, particularly in certain groups. Newborns, infants under 12 months of age, and children with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing more serious symptoms. I generally group hMPV with RSV in terms of severity, thinking of it as a step worse than the common cold. For that reason, it’s important to monitor all children carefully for signs of worsening illness, such as shortness of breath, dehydration, or secondary infections like bacterial pneumonia or ear infections.

So while hMPV is not necessarily a major threat on the scale of COVID-19, it remains an illness that may require more support and attention than the average cold. In some cases, it may even necessitate one or more visits to your pediatrician. At Lighthouse Pediatrics in Issaquah, we’re familiar with managing seasonal respiratory viruses like hMPV and RSV and strive to provide care that is comprehensive, personal, and accessible.

If your child is experiencing respiratory symptoms or you have concerns about illnesses like human metapneumovirus, our goal is to ensure you feel supported and informed every step of the way. From guidance on hMPV symptoms to providing timely and compassionate care, we’re here to help your family navigate these challenges with confidence and ease.