As the winter months approach, medical professionals are urging people to be vigilant for a lesser-known symptom of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) that can appear on your skin.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that often presents with symptoms similar to a common cold, but it can also lead to upper and lower respiratory infections, including pneumonia and asthma exacerbations.
What Are the Symptoms of HMPV?
The primary symptoms of HMPV include:
- Blocked nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
However, a less well-known symptom of HMPV is the presence of a rash. According to a study conducted in 2013, between 5 and 10 percent of children with HMPV had a rash.
How Does HMPV Differ from Flu and Covid?
HMPV is a totally different virus from flu, which mutates faster. The symptoms of HMPV are also less severe than those of flu, and people with HMPV often don’t experience the aches and pains associated with the flu, as well as the loss of appetite or feelings of nausea.
Additionally, HMPV does not present a loss of taste and smell, which is a common symptom of Covid.
How to Determine if You Have HMPV
Testing is the only surefire method to determine if you’re infected with HMPV. Doctors can take a swab from the nose and throat or possibly conduct more invasive checks such as bronchoscopy or chest X-rays.
If you experience symptoms such as high fever, breathing difficulties, or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nails), seek medical help immediately.
Treatment and Prevention of HMPV
While there’s no specific “cure” for HMPV, the recommendation is to ‘sit it out’ and rest, hydrate, and avoid spreading it to others. Generally, mild HMPV symptoms resolve within a week, though a cough may linger longer.
Should You Be Concerned About a Pandemic?
Despite global increases in cases and images of mask-clad individuals in China, experts downplay the prospect of a pandemic akin to Covid.
Almost every child will have at least one infection with HMPV by their fifth birthday, and we can expect to have multiple reinfections throughout life. The UK Health Security Agency has reassured the public that the rise in HMPV cases is following its “usual seasonal pattern,” with a 4.5 percent increase in cases.
By being aware of the symptoms of HMPV, including the lesser-known symptom of a rash, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from this respiratory virus. Remember to rest, hydrate, and avoid spreading it to others if you do contract HMPV.