Protect yourself and others during virus sharing season

When the temperature outside turns cold and forces people inside, the spread of viruses picks up. Every year, viruses ranging from the common cold to influenza to COVID-19 and more are shared, including human metapneumovirus, more commonly known as HMPV.

HMPV is one of several pathogens that circulate worldwide each year, causing respiratory illnesses. In countries with months of cold weather, HMPV can have an annual season, much like the flu, while places closer to the equator circulate at lower levels all year long.

In the United States, HMPV circulation begins in winter and lasts into the spring. As is the case with most viruses, some years see more of an uptick in the number of cases while other years see a dip. This year, the numbers in the CSRA point to an increase in cases of flu and respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV, but so far this year, there is a less substantial increase in cases of COVID and HMPV infections.

Despite the current trend, clinicians and health care professionals emphasize it is still important to protect yourself and those around you because HMPV can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in infants, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Individuals with pre-existing lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema, are at a higher risk for severe outcomes.

Currently, there are no specific antiviral therapies or vaccines available for the treatment or prevention of HMPV, making it even more important for those with symptoms to do their part to prevent the spread of the virus.

“It is important for people to remember to take proper precautions, especially during the colder months when we are in closer proximity to each other,” said KM Islam, PhD, MD.

A professor of epidemiology in the Department of Biostatistics, Data Science, and Epidemiology within AU’s School of Public Health, Islam’s research focuses around patient-centered outcomes in infectious diseases and cancer. The overarching objective of his research is to prevent diseases and lead to better treatment outcomes among diverse populations.

“Some areas of our country are reporting four viruses going around, so we need to continue to use general infection control measures to protect those who are most vulnerable, children, the elderly and those with underlying conditions,” Islam said. “Recently, I read a report of a woman in my home country of Bangladesh dying from HMPV. She was a relatively young woman, about 30 years old, but she had numerous underlying conditions, including chronic kidney disease, lung disease, was obese and was infected with another virus simultaneously.”

Rodger MacArthur, MD, a professor in the Division of Infectious Disease in the Department of Medicine at AU’s Medical College of Georgia, is an NIH-funded researcher and clinician. He noted HMPV is being closely monitored by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but there has not been a notable increase in the number of cases compared to previous years, including in Augusta.

“It’s not a new virus, but every year there are going to be new strains because viruses mutate, and we’re well aware of that now after dealing with COVID-19,” MacArthur said. “The perspective of those who study infectious diseases is the normal precautions seem to work well. If you feel sick, stay home. Wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and if you must go out for job duties or class, wear a mask. Protect others, as well as yourself.”