What is HMPV, and should Canadians be worried? The signs, symptoms and risk factors to know about

Social media is rampant with reports of a surge of a new respiratory virus in China. Here's what we know about the virus.

Elizabeth Di Filippo
·Lifestyle & Features Editor
·3-min read

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Sick woman with a headache sitting on a sofa at home wrapped in blanket during the day. Sickness, seasonal virus problem concept. Woman being sick having flu lying on sofa, Blowing or sneezing nose
What is HMPV? Everything you need to know about the respiratory virus. (Image via Getty Images)

A reported increase in cases of the respiratory virus human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has caused alarm on social media. Photos and videos of crowded hospitals shared online have many people — including Canadians — wondering Hif MPV could have similar impacts to COVID-19.

Despite the growing concern online, the World Health Organization says that official data from China notes an increase in acute respiratory infections — including seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and HMPV — is within the expected range for the northern hemisphere in winter.

“WHO is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns,” a Jan. 7 statement from the WHO read. “Chinese authorities report that the health care system is not overwhelmed and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered.”

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). 3D Render
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is making waves on social media. Should Canadians be worried? (Image via Getty Images)

HMPV is not uncommon in Canada, Dr. Isaac Bogoch an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Toronto tells Yahoo Canada. "Human metapneumovirus is a well known viral infection that we see during winter months. It can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections."

"It is unclear what is happening in China at the moment, but probably similar to most northern hemisphere locations," he adds. "Human metapneumovirus is part of the respiratory viral soup circulating at the moment."

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that was first identified in 2001, and can cause both upper and lower respiratory infections. According to Cleveland Clinic, most cases of HMPV are mild but the virus can be particularly serious for children, seniors, people with compromised immune systems and chronic health conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

HMPV can cause symptoms similar to a cold. These symptoms can include:

  • Cough

  • Nasal congestion, runny nose

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fever

  • Sore throat

  • Rash

Although a majority of cases are mild, HMPV can develop into lower respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Shot of a young businessman blowing his nose with a tissue at work
HMPV can cause the same symptoms as a cold. (Image via Getty Images)

Anyone can develop HMPV. Like most viruses, it's spread by coming into direct contact with someone who has HMPV.

HMPV is spread by coughing or sneezing, hugging or kissing someone with the infection as well as shaking hands or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

HMPV causes many of the same symptoms as COVID, but it's not the same virus. HMPV is part of the same group of viruses as RSV.

According to the American Lung Association, the majority of HMPV infections last anywhere from 2-5 days and can usually clear up on its own.

However, children (particularly children less than 5 years of age), seniors, people with compromised immune systems and people with pre-existing lung conditions can have complications that may require intervention.

A young mother using a white handkerchief to blow her child’s nose
Children, seniors and people with chronic health conditions are at risk for HMPV complications. (Image via Getty Images)

There is no vaccine for HMPV. HMPV symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications and remaining hydrated, but there is no treatment for the virus itself.

Some people may require medical intervention if they experience trouble breathing, a high fever or worsening of other symptoms.

People can help protect themselves from HMPV and other infections like influenza and COVID by:

  • Wearing a mask in public spaces and among at-risk populations

  • Washing your hands with soap and water

  • Using an alcohol based hand-sanitizer

  • Avoiding touching your mouth, nose, eyes or face

  • Covering your mouth with your arm/elbow when you cough or sneeze

  • Avoid or limit contact with people who are sick

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