BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Which virus is causing congestion, coughing? Hint: It’s not COVID

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

ALABAMA (WHNT) — It’s not a COVID-19 surge, but lately another respiratory infection going around is leaving many people coughing and checking their temperatures.

Excessive chest congestion, horrible coughs, fever and shortness of breath make up the symptoms of the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Despite the number of COVID-19 and RSV cases falling this spring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that nearly 19.6% of antigen tests and 11% of PCR tests were positive for HMPV, which was first discovered in 2001. That’s a 36% increase from pre-pandemic numbers, when the positivity rate was around 7%.

While the warm summer months help cases of cold, flu and other respiratory viruses decline, the number of people suffering from HMPV is still higher than normal.

According to the CDC, the virus can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in all ages, especially young kids, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Severe cases could progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.

The estimated incubation period ranges from three to six days, and the course of HMPV can differ depending upon severity. However, the illness’ duration is similar to that of other respiratory infections, such as the common cold and RSV.

While medical experts say there is no specific treatment, vaccine or antiviral therapy for HMPV, thorough handwashing, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, not sharing food or drink, refraining from kissing, and staying home when sick are all encouraged.

Health

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Sunny

la

66°F Sunny Feels like 66°
Wind
7 mph SW
Humidity
47%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

A few clouds. Low around 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
50°F A few clouds. Low around 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Wind
6 mph N
Precip
10%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waxing Gibbous