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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection and Human Metapneumovirus Infection

By

Brenda L. Tesini

, MD, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Reviewed/Revised Jun 2023
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Respiratory syncytial virus infection and human metapneumovirus infection cause upper and sometimes lower respiratory tract infections.

  • Respiratory syncytial virus is a very common cause of respiratory infections in infants and young children.

  • Human metapneumovirus is similar to respiratory syncytial virus but is a separate virus.

  • Typical symptoms include a runny nose, fever, cough, and wheezing, and a severe infection can lead to respiratory distress.

  • The diagnosis is based on symptoms and their occurrence at expected times of year.

  • Oxygen is given as needed.

  • Palivizumab is given to children at high risk of developing a severe respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV is a very common cause of respiratory tract infection, particularly in children. Nearly all children have been infected by age 4 years, many in the first year of life. Infection does not provide complete immunity, so reinfection is common, although usually less serious. Outbreaks typically occur in winter and early spring.

Children with serious underlying disorders (such as congenital heart disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, neuromuscular disorders, or a weakened immune system) or who were born prematurely and infants under 6 months of age are at particular risk of developing serious illness.

Older children and adults also can be infected with RSV, and older adults may develop pneumonia.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)

hMPV is a similar but separate virus.

hMPV occurs at the same seasonal time as RSV but does not infect as many children.

Symptoms and Signs of RSV and hMPV

RSV and hMPV cause similar symptoms. A runny nose and fever begin 3 to 5 days after infection. About half of children with a first infection also develop a cough and wheezing, indicating lower respiratory tract involvement. In infants younger than 6 months old, the first symptom may be a period of not breathing (apnea).

Some children, usually young infants, develop severe respiratory distress, and a few die.

In older children and healthy adults, illness is usually mild and may manifest only as a common cold.

Diagnosis of RSV and hMPV

  • A doctor's evaluation

Doctors usually suspect RSV (and possibly hMPV) infection in young infants and children who have bronchiolitis or pneumonia during RSV season or during an outbreak. Tests are usually not done unless doctors are trying to identify an outbreak or if hospitalization is required.

Treatment of RSV and hMPV

  • Oxygen for breathing difficulty

Children who have difficulty breathing are taken to a hospital. Depending on their condition, doctors may treat them with oxygen and fluids by vein. Ribavirin, an antiviral medication, is no longer recommended except for children whose immune system is severely weakened.

Most children do not need to be hospitalized. Treatment at home is mainly symptom relief. For example, children may be given pain relievers and fluids to prevent dehydration Dehydration in Children Dehydration is loss of water from the body, usually caused by vomiting and/or diarrhea. Dehydration occurs when there is significant loss of body water and, to varying amounts, electrolytes... read more . Parents should closely monitor children for signs of serious breathing difficulties or dehydration.

Prevention of RSV and hMPV

  • Good hygiene

  • Injections of palivizumab for high-risk children

Practicing good hygiene is an important preventive measure. An ill child and the people in the household should wash their hands frequently. In general, the more intimate physical contact (such as hugging, snuggling, or bed sharing) that takes place with an ill child, the greater the risk of spreading the infection to other family members. Parents must balance this risk with the need to comfort an ill child.

There is no vaccine to prevent hMPV infection at the present time. A vaccine to prevent RSV was recently approved for older adults, but this is not yet approved for children.

Doctors may give monthly injections of palivizumab, which contains antibodies against RSV, to certain children who are at high risk of developing a severe RSV infection. The injections are given for the length of the RSV season.

Children who receive palivizumab are less likely to need hospitalization, but doctors are not sure whether this treatment prevents death or serious complications.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Copegus, Moderiba, Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, Ribasphere RibaPak, RibaTab, Virazole
Synagis
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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