Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

• Cough
• Fever
• Runny Nose
• Congestion
• Sore Throat
• Wheezing
• Fatigue

HMPV is caused by the human metapneumovirus, an RNA virus in the Pneumoviridae family (closely related to RSV). It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and touching contaminated surfaces then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Very common — HMPV accounts for 5–15% of pediatric respiratory hospitalizations annually. It is the second most common cause of lower respiratory infection in young children after RSV.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV. Care is supportive and includes rest and fluids, fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (age-appropriate doses), saline nasal drops and suctioning for congestion, humidified air to ease breathing, and monitoring for breathing difficulty. Most children recover in 7–10 days. Seek medical attention if your child has rapid or labored breathing, persistent high fever, signs of dehydration, or worsening symptoms after initial improvement.

There is currently no vaccine for HMPV, though several are in development. Prevention focuses on frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes, and keeping sick children home from school or daycare until symptoms improve.

Track Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other illnesses at your child's school in real time.

• October 2025When Should Kids Stay Home from School?Guidelines to help parents make the tough call about keeping sick kids home.
• December 2025Managing School Sick Days: A Chicago Working Parent's Survival GuideWhen your child is sick and you have work, something has to give. Practical strategies for Chicago parents juggling careers and caregiving.

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