
Cold always becomes the party pooper during the trip. You want to have fun enjoying Bali Island, yet you can’t move around because of cold and fever. Furthermore, the cold could be the symptoms caused by hMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) infection.
What is hMPV? Where does it come from? How does it infect people? This article will help you to learn more about this virus and how to treat it.
What is hMPV?

hMPV is one of the cold viruses. It belongs to the Pneumoviridae virus family. Therefore, it attacks the respiratory system.
The origin of this virus is not clear. However, experts believe that it came from the evolution of a similar virus on birds that happened 200-400 years ago. As for the hMPV that we know today, it was first identified in 2001. Since then, it spread all over the world as a common cause of cold.
How Does It Spread?

As one of the respiratory viruses, hMPV spreads as other cold viruses do. It spreads through the air when a sick person coughs. That means the infection rate increases significantly when you are close to the infected person. It also can spread through touching. A person, who touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, mouth, or nose, has a higher chance of getting infected by hMPV.
When Does It Spread?

Currently, we have no fixed information about the period when hMPV spread. However, we found that, in subtropical regions, many hMPV cases occurred during late winter and spring. As for the tropical region, mostly it happens during the rainy season, similar to seasonal flu.
Those periods have the highest infection rates in each region. Outside those periods, hMPV still can infect many people due to its high infection rate like cold viruses. Therefore, we always find the hMPV case throughout the year.
hMPV Infection Symptoms

The symptoms are quite similar to cold, such as:
- Cough,
- Fever,
- Sore throat,
- Runny or stuffy nose,
- Body ache,
- Headache.
In general, it only causes mild symptoms. However, some cases can cause severe symptoms. The other severe symptoms of hMPV infection you should know are:
- Wheezing,
- Difficulty breathing,
- Chest pain,
- Dizziness,
- Severe fatigue,
- Dehydration,
- Persistent fever.
The mild or regular symptoms could go away with proper rest and cold medicine. However, if you experience severe symptoms, you must search for medical help. Visit a medical center or hospital to get the treatment.
hMPV Infection Risk Factors

In general, kids under 5 years old have a higher risk of getting infected by hMPV. According to WHO data, everyone must be at least infected by hMPV when they are in that age range. They can get infected again when they are adult. However, the symptoms are mostly mild. Older people and people with health issues also have a higher risk of getting an hMPV infection.
How to Prevent hMPV Infection?

hMPV infection prevention is similar to a cold. For example:
- Wearing a mask,
- Avoid crowded places or poorly ventilated spaces,
- Improving room ventilation (opening windows or turning on a fan to let the air circulate),
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. Use soap and flowing water. To be safe, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth.
More importantly, you also need to keep your immune system strong. It is the best method to prevent hMPV infection. You can get it by living a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy food, having regular exercise, and enough sleep are the easiest methods to improve the immune system.
You also need to keep that lifestyle when you are on a trip. For example, if you travel to Bali, you can find many fitness centers or training areas in your hotel. They also have many restaurants that serve healthy food. Thus, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about hMPV infection.
What about when you got infected? You also need to be extra careful, so you won’t infect other people. Here are a few simple things you can do:
- Stay at home or a hotel when you are on a trip,
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing,
- Wearing a mask,
- Improving ventilation in your room,
- Clean your hands regularly.
Currently, there is no vaccine to fight hMPV. The research is ongoing. Therefore, it is better to use all those prevention methods to avoid hMPV infection.
Final Words

That’s everything you need to know about hMPV infection. In general, hMPV is treatable and preventable with healthier lifestyle. If you can have that, your body will be able to fight against virus that cause hMPV. So, be careful!
Otherwise, if you feel ill during your trip to Bali, you can always visit BIMC Nusa Dua, one of the best hospitals in Bali. It has the best doctors. They also use the latest equipment. Their facilities are good. Thus, you can get the treatment you need for hMPV infection. For more information and to book for appointment, you can visit https://bimcbali.com/bimc-siloam-nusa-dua. Stay healthy!