Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common but often overlooked cause of respiratory infections in both children and adults. Many people have heard of the flu, RSV, or COVID-19, but far fewer are familiar with HMPV. If you or your child have had it once, you may be wondering: can you get HMPV again? The short answer is yes. Just like with other respiratory viruses, immunity after infection is not always permanent, which means reinfections can and do occur. Understanding why this happens, how often it occurs, and what it means for your health is essential for families, caregivers, and anyone concerned about respiratory illnesses.
Understanding human metapneumovirus
HMPV is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001, but scientists now know it has been circulating in humans for decades. It belongs to the same viral family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which makes it a close relative of another common cause of respiratory illness. HMPV infections are seasonal, often peaking in late winter and early spring, though cases can occur throughout the year. The virus spreads through close contact, respiratory droplets (from coughing or sneezing), and by touching contaminated surfaces.
HMPV is considered one of the major causes of acute respiratory infections in children under five years old. However, it can affect people of all ages, including healthy adults and older adults with weakened immune systems.
What are the symptoms of HMPV?
The symptoms of HMPV are often very similar to those of other respiratory infections, which is one reason it is under-recognized. Common HMPV symptoms include:
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Cough, often persistent
- Fever (sometimes mild, sometimes higher)
- Sore throat
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
In children, HMPV can sometimes lead to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways) or pneumonia. In adults, especially older adults or those with chronic illnesses, the infection can also be more severe and sometimes requires hospitalization. For most otherwise healthy people, though, HMPV causes a mild to moderate respiratory illness similar to the common cold or flu.
Can you get HMPV more than once?
Yes, reinfection with HMPV is possible. Studies show that most children are exposed to the virus by the age of five, but that does not guarantee lifelong protection. Like the flu or common cold, immunity against HMPV tends to fade over time, and because the virus has multiple strains, infection with one type does not necessarily protect you from another.
This is why adults can also get HMPV infections even if they had it as children. Reinfections are common, though they are often less severe in healthy adults than in very young children or older adults. Still, people with weakened immune systems can experience repeated infections that may lead to complications.
Why reinfections happen
There are several reasons why someone might get HMPV more than once:
- Incomplete immunity – The immune system may not develop long-lasting protection after the first infection.
- Different strains – HMPV has two main genetic lineages (A and B), each with subtypes. Immunity to one may not fully protect against another.
- Waning immunity – Even if your body builds antibodies, their effectiveness can decline over months or years.
- High exposure – Children in daycare, adults working in healthcare, or families with frequent close contact may encounter the virus more often.
How does HMPV compare to flu, RSV, and COVID-19?
HMPV is often compared to other respiratory infections because of overlapping symptoms:
- HMPV vs. common cold: While both cause congestion, cough, and sore throat, HMPV can sometimes lead to more serious illness like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
- HMPV vs. flu: Flu tends to cause higher fevers, more body aches, and a sudden onset. HMPV symptoms usually develop more gradually.
- HMPV vs. RSV: RSV and HMPV are closely related. Both can cause severe illness in young children and older adults, and both may require hospitalization in severe cases.
- HMPV vs. COVID-19: COVID-19 has a wider range of symptoms, including loss of taste or smell and gastrointestinal issues, which are less common with HMPV. However, cough and fever can look similar, making testing important for proper diagnosis.
Understanding these differences helps parents and caregivers know when to seek medical help and prevents confusion with other infections.
How is HMPV diagnosed?
Because HMPV symptoms look so much like those of other respiratory infections, diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms alone. Doctors may use special laboratory tests to detect HMPV, often through nasal swabs. However, in many cases, especially when symptoms are mild, testing is not always performed. For hospitalized patients or those at higher risk, accurate diagnosis is more important for managing care and preventing the spread of the virus.
Treatment options for HMPV
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for human metapneumovirus. Care is focused on relieving symptoms and supporting the body’s recovery. Common approaches include:
- Rest and hydration
- Over-the-counter fever or pain reducers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if appropriate)
- Humidifiers or saline sprays for nasal congestion
- Medical monitoring for infants, older adults, or those with underlying health issues
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, with oxygen therapy or IV fluids provided. Antibiotics are not effective against HMPV because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria.
Prevention strategies
Since reinfections are possible, prevention is especially important. Steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching or spreading HMPV include:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
- Cleaning commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and electronics
- Avoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms
- Staying home when sick to prevent spreading the virus to others
While vaccines for RSV and COVID-19 are now available, there is still no approved vaccine for HMPV. Research is ongoing, and in the future, immunization may become part of routine respiratory infection prevention.
Practical advice for families
If you or your child have already had HMPV, remember that another infection is possible. The good news is that healthy children and adults usually recover fully within one to two weeks. Parents should watch for warning signs such as difficulty breathing, high fever, dehydration, or unusual lethargy, as these may signal a need for medical care. Adults with chronic lung disease, heart problems, or weakened immune systems should also take reinfection seriously.
It’s also helpful to keep in mind that repeated respiratory infections in young children are common, and HMPV is just one of many viruses that circulate. Good hygiene, healthy nutrition, and staying up to date with other vaccinations all support the immune system’s ability to fight off future illnesses.
What this means for your health
HMPV may not be as widely known as flu or COVID-19, but it is an important cause of respiratory infection around the world. Reinfection is possible, sometimes even likely, especially when immunity fades or different viral strains are circulating. Most people will recover without complications, but for young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems, repeated infections can pose serious risks. Staying informed, practicing prevention, and seeking medical care when needed are the best ways to protect yourself and your family.