How to manage HMPV?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can cause lower respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis or pneumonia.

You should worry about pneumonia when you notice the following symptoms:

1. Persistent or worsening fever (≥101°F (Fahrenheit)).

2. Shortness of breath that worsens, even at rest.

3. Chest pain when breathing or coughing.

4. Cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus.

5. Feeling lightheaded or confused.

6. Lips or fingertips turning blue.

If your oxygen level goes below 92 %. Keep checking your oxygen using a pulse oximeter.

If you notice any of them, go to the emergency room (ER) immediately.

I suggest you do the following tests:

1. Chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan to see lung involvement.

2. Complete blood count (CBC).

3. C-reactive protein (CRP).

4. Electrocardiogram (ECG) (chest tightness is a sign of heart problem also).

In the meantime, you can follow these home remedies:

1. Steam inhalation three to four times daily.

2. Stay hydrated.

3. Do not sleep flat. Sleep with your head propped up.

4. Use a humidifier.

5. For cough, continue cough syrup. There are different cough syrups for different types of cough (dry or cough with sputum). Choose the correct syrup.

6. Drink warm water, add cinnamon, clove, ginger, and cardamom into the water, boil it and strain the water, let it cool down a bit (it should be drunk warm), add honey and lemon juice, and drink it twice daily. You can store it and warm it later to drink.

7. Maintain hygiene and wash hands regularly to avoid reinfection.

8. Antibiotics won’t help viral HMPV, but they may be needed if you develop bacterial pneumonia.

If your condition gets worse, seek urgent medical help.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, talk with them, and take proper guidance.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.