With hMPV, symptoms such as runny and stuffy nose are common. People may experience more serious effects in some cases, but most don’t develop serious symptoms.
This article will take a closer look at the symptoms of human metapneumovirus, including frequent and rare symptoms and potential complications. It will also discuss when it might be time to seek medical help.
Frequent Symptoms
Most people who contract human metapneumovirus experience mild cold symptoms such as:
Runny noseCongestionSore throatCoughHeadacheFever
Infants with human metapneumovirus may also experience weight loss.
Most people with mild symptoms will feel better within a few days and won’t require medical treatment. This virus most often circulates in winter and spring.
Rare Symptoms
Some people with human metapneumovirus may develop shortness of breath. This is more likely in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma (a chronic lung disease with constricted and inflamed airways). People with asthma may also experience flare-ups of their symptoms if they contract hMPV.
Other uncommon symptoms may include:
Trouble breathing Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing) Hoarse voice Vomiting
Complications and Sub-Group Indications
People are more likely to develop complications from a cold caused by human metapneumovirus if they are immunocompromised (have reduced immune system function).
However, hMPV is less likely to cause serious complications compared to other respiratory infections.
In some people, hMPV can develop into:
Pneumonia: Lung infection or inflammation of the airways and air sacs (alveoli) Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi, which are the larger air tubes in the lungs Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the smallest air tubes in the lungs (bronchioles)
Children and Infants
According to the American Lung Association, between 5% to 16% of children who contract human metapneumovirus develop pneumonia, a serious lower respiratory tract complication. Infants are particularly susceptible to this kind of complication.
Symptoms may include:
Trouble breathingCoughingFeverFatigueIntercostal retractionsWidening of nostrils while breathingFast breathingBluish tinge to the skin, which signals the need for emergency treatment
Infants under 1 year who develop serious complications may have a decreased appetite and display poor feeding. Additionally, children and infants with lung disease or who are born prematurely have a higher risk of developing complications.
One study found lower respiratory tract infection by hMPV was more common in infants and children whose birthing parent had asthma.
Older Adults
People over age 75 are at greater risk of developing severe pneumonia from hMPV. Large outbreaks have been reported in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.
Mucus-producing coughShortness of breathFever SweatingFast, shallow breathingChillsPain in the chest coughing or breathing deeplyNauseaVomitingAppetite loss Fatigue
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath are good indicators of when to seek medical attention. This may be a sign that the illness has developed into pneumonia or another lower respiratory tract infection.
Coughing, with mucus or without Excessive fatigue Body aches Sore throat Sore chest Headache
Acute bronchitis develops because of an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms don’t usually last longer than a few weeks.
Chronic bronchitis is characterized by long-term lung inflammation and is more serious. People with chronic bronchitis are at higher risk of developing complications due to respiratory infections like human metapneumovirus.
Summary
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a virus that causes the symptoms of the common cold. It’s one of many viruses that causes similar upper respiratory symptoms. Common symptoms are coughing, runny nose, and congestion. Some people may also experience shortness of breath.
People with weakened immune systems, such as older adults and infants, are more likely to develop complications from hMPV. But most people’s symptoms go away in a few days without treatment.
A Word From Verywell
For most people, a cold is self-limiting and doesn’t cause serious symptoms. If you have a stuffy nose, cough, and a mild fever, chances are some rest and fluids will help you cope with discomfort and eventually lead you on the road to recovery.
It’s important to remember, though, that symptoms of COVID-19 can resemble those of the common cold. If you have plans to attend a large gathering or interact with people who may have weakened immune systems, it’s a good idea to take a COVID-19 test to check for a positive result.
