The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) it is not a new virus, it has been known since 2001 (when it was first described). Nor is it directly related to China.

“It is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused
by HMPV. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but sometimes it can cause lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, or worsen pre-existing conditions such as asthma flare-ups and COPD,” explains Adamantia Liapikou Pulmonologist, MD, PHD, Coordinating Director of the 5th Pulmonology Clinic GNNTHA “The Salvation”, Responsible for it EPE Working Group on Respiratory System Infections. “HMPV infections are more common in winter. Mild cases of human metapneumovirus usually last a few days to a week.”

For the symptoms of human metapneumovirus h Vasiliki Georgakopoulou Pulmonologist – Tuberculologist, Supervisor B, Clinic of Pathological Physiology EKPA, Head of the EPE Working Group on Respiratory System Infections, states that they include: cough, fever, runny nose or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing and, in some cases, shortness of breath. “HMPV is spread by direct contact with someone who has it through droplets (eg from coughing) or by touching things contaminated with the virus. Human metapneumovirus is similar to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). It belongs to the same genus – or scientific group – as RSV (pneumovirus) and can cause similar symptoms.
The peak age for severe disease from HMPV is between 6 and 12 months. High risk groups are:

People aged <5 years (especially premature infants) or >65 years. People with low immunity (from conditions such as HIV, cancer or autoimmune disorders or from medicines that suppress our immune system). Patients with chronic underlying diseases with predominant asthma and COPD”.

The officials of the Working Group on Respiratory System Infections report about the complications that they appear mainly in high-risk people: Bronchiolitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia either from the virus or from a secondary infection, asthma flare-ups or COPD. In the above cases, hospitalization may be necessary. In addition, there are no self-test diagnostic tests in the community. The diagnosis is mainly made using the film array (possibility of identifying multiple viruses through a smear from the pharynx or nasal cavity). It is commonly used in tertiary health care settings as a procedure to identify infections on hospital admission.

Referring to the treatment of metapneumovirus, the President of the EPE, Professor of Pulmonology of the Greek Academy of Sciences, Stelios Loukidis points out that it is not
there is a special treatment. The treatment is symptomatic, with fluids, antipyretics, rest, decongestants of the nasal mucosa. “We don’t give antibiotics because antibiotics only treat bacteria. Since HMPV is a virus, antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics are only given to treat any secondary infections.”

Prevention, points out Mr. Loukidis, it concerns hand hygiene, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Consider wearing a mask if you are sick and cannot avoid being around others.

Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth. There is no vaccine available for metapneumovirus. “We emphasize communication and informing the attending physician and vigilance in general, when the high fever persists, difficulty in breathing appears, worsening of other health conditions related to accompanying diseases.”

Finally, the President of the EPE mentions that the Hellenic Pulmonology Society closely monitors the epidemiological outbreak of infections and emphasizes that this outbreak has been known for at least 20 years in this particular time period.

“Influenza type A is currently prevailing, while compared to 2024 and the corresponding period, there is a 50-60% reduction in COVID incidents.”