As headlines flash warnings about a new virus overwhelming hospitals in China, the world watches with a mix of curiosity and concern. Is the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), likened to COVID in its impact on health systems, merely a seasonal visitor, or does it herald a more significant threat?

What Is HMPV and How Does It Spread?

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes flu-like symptoms. It mainly affects the upper respiratory tract but can lead to more serious issues in certain groups—especially young children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Even though we first identified HMPV in 2001, it’s clear that the virus has been around for decades. It’s part of the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—a well-known virus that behaves similarly in many ways.

Now, how does HMPV spread? It’s pretty similar to how other respiratory viruses travel. When someone with HMPV coughs or sneezes, they release respiratory droplets that can infect others. You can also pick it up by coming into close contact with an infected person, like through hugging or kissing, or by touching surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

In temperate climates, HMPV tends to be more common in late winter and spring, often overlapping with the seasonal flu and RSV outbreaks. But keep in mind, the virus can still be around at lower levels throughout the year. Understanding these basics can help you take simple precautions, like washing your hands regularly and keeping a bit of distance when someone’s sick, to lower your risk of getting infected.

HMPV in China: What’s Happening?

You may have seen concerning videos of overwhelmed hospitals in China, with images of masked parents holding their young children. These scenes have sparked worries about another major outbreak. However, the situation with HMPV—a virus that generally causes a mild, cold-like illness—is a bit different.

In northern China, there’s been a noticeable rise in HMPV cases, especially among children. While urging the public to stick to basic hygiene practices, local health authorities are keen to point out that the infections tend to be milder and less widespread compared to previous years.

One reason for the apparent surge is improved testing technology. With better tools, doctors are now more likely to identify HMPV when patients present with flu-like symptoms. While this might make the numbers seem higher, it’s really just a sign that we’re getting better at detecting the virus.

Officials and experts remind us that respiratory infections typically peak during the winter months. This year, while there has been an uptick in HMPV cases, it’s important to keep things in perspective. HMPV has been around for decades and isn’t expected to overwhelm the healthcare system like Covid-19 did.

Is HMPV in the US?

According to the CDC, even though there’s been a noticeable spike in HMPV cases in northern China, it’s not causing concern here in the States. In fact, infection rates remain at what we’d expect from pre-pandemic levels.

HMPV is quite common, with most people getting infected before the age of five. It usually pops up during the flu season and causes symptoms like coughing, wheezing, congestion, and shortness of breath—much like a bad cold.

Recent data from the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) shows that in early January, just over 2% of lab tests for HMPV came back positive. This is a slight uptick from 1.77% the week before and more than double the rate seen in early December, which was 0.87%. 

In some regions—specifically Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska—the positivity rate is even higher, exceeding 5.8%, compared to around 2.7% in areas like Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Since the fall, most parts of the country have seen a gradual rise in HMPV positivity rates, with just one region (covering Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Virginia) reporting a dip. Looking back at last year, testing positivity for HMPV was relatively low during the fall and early winter, only spiking later in the spring.

Should You Be Worried?

Let’s address the big question: should you worry about HMPV? The short answer is no, not really. HMPV is neither a new nor mysterious illness—it’s been around in its current form for decades. In fact, antibodies against HMPV are found in nearly all children by the time they’re 5, which shows just how common it is.

Recent CDC data shows that HMPV accounts for less than 2% of weekly positive tests for respiratory viruses. To put that in perspective, during the same period, the flu made up nearly 19% of positive tests and COVID over 7%. 

For a virus to be considered widespread locally, it needs to hit above 10% positive results for two consecutive weeks, and HMPV is far from that threshold.

While about 10-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV, most cases are mild and resolve within a few days with rest and fluids. That said, a small percentage—roughly 5% to 16% of children—can develop more serious conditions like pneumonia, and the virus can be more severe in infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. However, even then, the rate of severe outcomes is similar to that of RSV and seasonal flu.

In other words, while HMPV can occasionally cause complications, especially in vulnerable groups, it isn’t a major cause for alarm. Just keep up with your usual good hygiene practices, and there’s no need to panic.

My Personal RX on Protecting Yourself From HMPV and Other Illnesses

As we navigate flu season and beyond, it’s important to recognize that simple, everyday habits can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones healthy. Viruses like HMPV and other respiratory pathogens spread quickly through close contact and contaminated surfaces, making proactive hygiene and self-care essential. By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you’re not only protecting yourself but also helping to shield your community—especially those who are more vulnerable. 

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public or touching surfaces. When soap isn’t available, an alcohol-based sanitizer works too.
2. Avoid Touching Your Face: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. This helps prevent any viruses on your hands from entering your body.
3. Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues right away and wash your hands soon after.
4. Clean High-Touch Surfaces: Regularly disinfect items like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards to reduce the chance of picking up viruses from surfaces.
5. Keep Your Living and Workspaces Well-Ventilated: Good air circulation can help disperse potentially infectious droplets. Open windows or use air purifiers to maintain clean air in enclosed spaces.
6. Keep a Safe Distance When Sick: If you’re feeling under the weather, try to avoid close contact with others. This helps protect those around you, especially people who might be more vulnerable.
7. Strengthen Your Immune System: Incorporating Immune Support supplements into your daily routine can bolster your body’s natural defenses. 
8. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains ensures you’re getting ample nutrients that support immune function. Foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can particularly help in fighting infections.
9. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining mucosal membranes, which are your first line of defense against respiratory pathogens. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to support these barrier tissues.
10. Follow the Protocol for Overall Health: My free 50-page Protocol provides comprehensive lifestyle guidelines that support immune system health, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management. 

Sources:

1. Interactive Dashboard. (2024, May 23). The National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS). https://www.cdc.gov/nrevss/php/dashboard/index.html 
2. About human metapneumovirus. (2024, April 11). Human Metapneumovirus. https://www.cdc.gov/human-metapneumovirus/about/index.html 
3. Murphy, F. (2025). Fact check: Human metapneumovirus in China. BMJ, r68. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.r68