How to manage HMPV infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I need some clarification about my uncle's human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection. He is 57 years old and already weak because of diabetes. We suspect he caught it from my nephew, who was coughing non-stop last week.

My uncle now has a fever, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. We are doing our best to keep him isolated, but we are confused about how long he has been contagious and what precautions we should take at home. Is it safe to leave him out of his room if he feels better in a few days? The doctor nearby gave some medicines and said fluids are important, but he did not say much. Can we do anything else to speed up his recovery, or how can we prevent others in the house from getting it? What specific medications or treatments can help with HMPV?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a serious viral infection, treatable with only supportive medicines. It is usually self-limiting. Your uncle is a diabetic, he is immunocompromised and at high risk of other infections as well.

My best advice to you is to keep monitoring his vitals, like:

Body temperature.
Blood pressure.
Oxygen saturation.
Blood glucose levels.

Isolation is necessary. Along with this, it is necessary to eat right, take proper rest, and drink plenty of fluids and medicines prescribed. He will recover provided that his saturation also does not drop. Otherwise, anti-viral and oxygen therapy may be needed.

Kindly provide details of the medicines prescribed so that I can add any more medications if needed, along with a record of vitals done every eight hours.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.