Is HMPV infection risky for pregnant women with asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

My sister is 30 weeks pregnant and was recently diagnosed with HMPV after experiencing persistent coughing, congestion, and shortness of breath. Initially, we thought it was just a cold, but her symptoms worsened, leading to an ER visit due to breathing difficulties. Her oxygen levels were at 95 percent, and the doctors confirmed there was no pneumonia. She was prescribed an inhaler and advised to rest. However, her cough hasn’t improved in over a week, and she is still feeling exhausted. She has mild asthma, and we are concerned about the risk of preterm labor due to the viral infection. Should she be monitored more closely? Are there any safe antiviral treatments or additional medications she can take without affecting the baby? Additionally, her husband recently tested positive for the same virus. Is there anything we should do to protect her from reinfection?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Monitoring and precautions are essential for your sister due to her pregnancy and asthma. She should be closely monitored with regular follow-ups with her healthcare provider to track her symptoms and oxygen levels. Her asthma treatment plan may need adjustments to ensure optimal control during pregnancy. Since viral infections like HMPV can increase the risk of preterm labor, her healthcare provider will closely monitor her for any signs of complications. While there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, management focuses on symptom relief and asthma control. To prevent reinfection, your sister should maintain distance from her husband until he is no longer contagious, typically 7 to 10 days after symptom onset. It's important to encourage good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact, and not sharing utensils, towels, or personal items. Regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces are also recommended. Additionally, considering basic tests like CBC, ESR, CRP, and RBS, along with a chest X-ray (PA view) with abdominal shielding, could be beneficial for further evaluation.

I hope this helps. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.