What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)? What Parents Need to Know About This Common Childhood Virus

drkurowski
Jan 9
2 min read

What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus in children that has been circulating for decades. Most children will be infected with HMPV at least once during early childhood, especially during the respiratory virus season, which is now!

When Do We See HMPV?

HMPV typically circulates in in winter and spring, often overlapping with other pediatric respiratory viruses like RSV, influenza, and the common cold. It is incredibly common.

How Does HMPV Spread?

Like many viral respiratory infections in kids, HMPV spreads through:

Coughing and sneezing
Close contact with infected individuals
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth

This makes it especially common in daycare and school-aged children.

HMPV Symptoms in Children

HMPV symptoms can look very similar to other childhood respiratory illnesses and may include:

Runny or stuffy nose
Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Wheezing or noisy breathing

In younger children—especially infants—HMPV can cause bronchiolitis symptoms or pneumonia, which is similar to RSV.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Severe HMPV?

Most children recover well, but some are at higher risk for more severe illness, including:

Infants under 6 months of age
Children with asthma or chronic lung disease
Children with weakened immune systems

How Is HMPV Treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for human metapneumovirus. Treatment is supportive and focuses on symptom relief while the immune system clears the virus.

Supportive care includes:

Encouraging fluids to prevent dehydration
Rest
Fever control with appropriate medications
Steamed rooms or humidifiers
Elderberry, vitamin C, and good nutrition

Antibiotics do not treat HMPV because it is a viral infection. However, sometimes there are secondary bacterial infections, in which case we may treat for that.

When Should Parents Call the Pediatrician?

Contact your pediatrician or seek medical care if your child has:

Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
Chest retractions or pulling at the skin under the ribs
Wheezing (although often common in this virus in kids who have never wheezed)
Signs of dehydration - not urinating, no producing saliva or tears
Persistent high fever for more than 4 days

The Bottom Line

Human metapneumovirus is a common childhood respiratory virus that pediatricians have managed for many years. While most cases are mild, understanding HMPV symptoms, treatment, and warning signs can help families know when to seek care. If you’re unsure whether your child should be seen, reaching out early can provide reassurance and guidance. At Thrive Pediatrics, we help families feel comfortable and work with parents to support their children when it matters most!

Enrolling now!