22/10/2025
🦠 Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) — The Overlooked Cause of “Flu-Like” Illness
Recently at Klinik Teoh – Family Medicine Specialist Clinic, we saw a patient with persistent fever, sore throat, and cough.
COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV tests were negative — but our multiplex respiratory panel detected Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
🔬 What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus from the Paramyxoviridae family — the same family as RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
It was first discovered in 2001 but is now recognized as a common and significant cause of respiratory tract infections, especially during the rainy or transition seasons in tropical regions.
🧏♂️ Who can be infected?
HMPV affects all age groups, but symptoms tend to be more severe in:
Infants and young children 👶
Elderly adults 👵
Individuals with chronic lung diseases (asthma, COPD)
Patients with weakened immune systems
😷 Common Symptoms
HMPV often mimics influenza or the common cold:
Fever and chills
Cough and sore throat
Blocked or runny nose
Headache, body aches
Wheezing or shortness of breath (in more severe cases)
Most patients recover within 7–10 days, but some develop bronchitis, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia, especially if they have underlying illness.
🧪 Why diagnosis matters
Because HMPV symptoms overlap with flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections, it is often missed without proper testing.
At Klinik Teoh, we use multiplex respiratory panels that detect 9 types of viruses (including COVID, Influenza A/B, RSV, HMPV, Adenovirus, etc.) from a single sample — providing rapid and accurate results for better management.
💊 Treatment and recovery
There is no specific antiviral for HMPV — treatment is supportive, focusing on:
Rest and hydration
Fever and symptom control
Monitoring for breathing difficulty
Managing underlying chronic conditions
Most healthy adults recover well, but at-risk patients may need closer follow-up or hospital observation.
🌈 Key message
If you have persistent cough, fever, or wheezing despite negative COVID and flu tests, HMPV may be the cause.
Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary antibiotics, ensures correct treatment, and helps protect vulnerable family members.
#张医务所 #张健安医生 #家庭医学专科