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HMPV Infection Symptoms: Breathing Difficulty, Drop In Oxygen Levels, Here's What Happens After Getting Infected

HMPV Infection Symptoms: Breathing Difficulty, Drop In Oxygen Levels, Here's What Happens After Contracting Human Metapneumovirus? Read on to find out!

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Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : January 5, 2025 6:50 PM IST

HMPV Infection Symptoms: Human metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, is a severe respiratory illness caused by a virus that was first identified in 2001 by Dutch researchers. This virus primarily affects the lower and upper respiratory tract after entering the human body. While HMPV poses a risk to everyone, it is currently reported to disproportionately impact children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

With symptoms ranging from mild cold-like issues to severe breathing difficulties and oxygen level drops, in this article, we tell you what exactly happens inside the body after contracting the HMPV virus.

HMPV belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is a leading cause of respiratory illnesses worldwide. Although China is facing a serious outbreak and a sudden spike in cases, this virus has been present in nature for over two decades. As per studies, the virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets, making it highly contagious, particularly in crowded or enclosed spaces.

Symptoms of HMPV Infection

HMPV enters the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes. After entering the body, symptoms of the virus typically take 3-6 days to appear. During this time, the virus begins to replicate in the respiratory tract.

Common Cold-Like Symptoms

In mild cases, the virus mimics the symptoms of a common cold, including:

  1. Nose congestion or runny nose
  2. Persistent cough
  3. Sore throat
  4. Mild fever

Other Symptoms of the virus include:

  1. Trouble breathing properly
  2. Sudden drop in oxygen levels (According to the studies, a severe HMPV infection can lead to hypoxemia, a condition marked by a significant drop in blood oxygen levels)
  3. Lower respiratory tract infections
  4. Bronchiolitis or inflammation of the small airways in the lungs
  5. Pneumonia like infection both the lungs

Severe infections may also cause:

  1. High fever
  2. Loss of appetite
  3. Generalized weakness and lethargy

infections can vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual's age, immunity, and underlying health conditions.

HMPV is a common respiratory virus that can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe complications like pneumonia. Here are some of the effective tips to stay protected from the virus infection:

  1. Wear properly fitted mask
  2. Wash your hands frequently
  3. Drink lots of fluid
  4. If you experience respiratory symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others to reduce the risk of transmission.

Follow all these safety rules and stay protected from HMPV infection.