This article provides an overview of human metapneumovirus along with how long it takes to recover.

It also lists hMPV symptoms as well as how it is diagnosed and treated.

If you do develop symptoms, theyll likely fade in a few days or so.

Parent helps child blow nose into tissue

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More serious symptoms can develop, but this is uncommon.

For example, people with preexisting lung conditions may have shortness of breath with hMPV.

A person infected with metapneumovirus can transmit the virus if they cough or sneeze, for instance.

A healthy immune system can often fight off infections like the common cold, preventing severe symptoms from developing.

However, some people are more likely to contract cold viruses like hMPV.

Treatment

Theres no treatment for an upper respiratory infection resulting from hMPV.

These OTC drugs cant treat the viral illness directly.

Do not give children any OTC cough or cold medications without consulting a healthcare provider first.

Children should not be given aspirin or products containing aspirin.

While theres no cure for human metapneumovirus, most cases clear up within a few days.

However, sometimes people can develop complications, like pneumonia.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human metapneumovirus.

American Lung Association.What are the symptoms of hMPV?.

Illinois Department of Public Health.Human metapneumovirus.

Shafagati N, Williams J.Human metapneumovirus - what we know now.F1000Res.

2018;7:135. doi:10.12688/f1000research.12625.1

American Lung Association.Learn about human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

American Academy of Pediatrics.Common over-the-counter medications.