HMPV is probably one of the viruses that will get us this winter. Here’s what you should know about human metapneumovirus

Over time, winter over Australia is not only a decrease in temperature that we notice – there is also a rapid boost in respiratory diseases. Most of us know ordinary players players such as Covid, Ipaenza and RSV (respiratory syncce virus), which often dominate the main information messages and public health messages.

But scientists now pay more attention to another virus that spreads a bit under the radar: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Although this is not up-to-date, HMPV is now considered a significant factor contributing Seasonal breathing infectionsEspecially among adolescent children, the elderly and people with a weaker immune system.

So what do you need to know about this winter band?

What does HMPV infection look like?

Hmpv to A close relative RSVAnd it can cause infections in the upper or lower respiratory tract.

Like other breathing viruses, HMPV infection causes symptoms such as coughing, fever, sore throat and nasal congestion. While most people experience a relatively delicate disease and recover in about a week, HMPV can lead serious illness – such as bronchitis or pneumonia – in children, older adults and people with a weakened immune system.

HMPV spreads, just like flu or sars-Cov-2 (Covid virus)-support Small droplets with coughing and sneezing and potentially by touching surfaces where the virus landed and then touched the mouth, nose or eyes.

Most people will catch it at some point in their lives, commonly often. While the infection gives some resistance, it It disappears over time.

HMPV in general follows the seasonal patterntend to reach the summit Winter and Spring.

HMPV around the world

By the end of 2024, China saw surprising Spike in HMPV cases – It is enough to pay the attention of public health experts. Although there were some suggestions that hospitals became overwhelmed, the exact numbers were not clear.

World Health Organization later issued a statement In January, indicating that the boost in HMPV infection in China adapted to the expected seasonal trends.

Other countries such as United StatesThey also noted an boost in HMPV infection since the pandemic with air conditioning. Realizing that HMPV can play More significant role with a seasonal disease than we thought before Improvements of diagnostic technologyGlobal health agencies have increased monitoring.

Read more: HMPV can spread in China. Here’s what you should know about this virus – and why this is not a reason for the alarm

In Australia, comprehensive domestic HMPV data is narrow because HMPV is not one of the viruses with mandatory reporting. In other words, if it has been found that the patient has HMPV (via a PCR swab sent to the pathology laboratory) there is no requirement for a pathological doctor or laboratory to submit a public health report with a positive result, as with another disease, such as flu, RSV or Odra.

However, selected medical clinics voluntarily participate Systematic data collection Under certain health conditions that give us an idea of ​​the percentage of people who can be infected (although not absolute numbers).

Australian Sentinel Practice Research Network (Ascreen) is a national supervision system financed by the Federal Health Department. In 2024, until December 15, based on ASPREN data, 7.8% of patients with fever and cough symptoms Tested positively on HMPV.

This year, by June 1, the ASPREN data shows that the US HMPV came up with 4.2% of infection Among people with flu, for RSV (7.7%), Covid (10.9%), flu (19%) and nose (virus that causes frigid, 46.1%).

What about vaccines and treatments?

HMPV will probably be part of a series of respiratory viruses circulating in Australia this winter. If you have a frigid or flu disease and you did one of these quick tests at home to get Covid, FLU and RSV, but it made HMPV the culprit.

Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Most cases are delicate and can be managed at home with a relief of rest and symptoms such as taking medicines (paracetamol or ibuprofen) in case of pain and fever. But more grave infections may require hospital care.

If your child or petite child has a respiratory infection and has breathing problems, you should take them to the emergency department.

Researchers and companies such as ModernPfizer and Vicebio They actively work on vaccines for HMPV, but they are not yet available.

The best way to protect yourself and others against HMPV and other breathing viruses Simple hygiene practices. They often include washing hands, covering coughing and sneezing, being at home, if you are diseased, regularly cleaning the common surfaces, and considering wearing a mask in crowded critical spaces during the viral season.