Doctor shares HMPV warning sign that can be missed on the skin amid rise in UK cases
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A health professional has raised the alarm about an easy-to-miss symptom of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) that could appear on your skin, as England grapples with cases that present similar to common cold symptoms. HMPV is a respiratory infection that can cause conditions like asthma to flare up or exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Key indicators include coughing, fever, and a sore throat, but one lesser-known sign – a rash – should not be overlooked. University of East Anglia medical expert Professor Paul Hunter told The Telegraph: "It's a totally different virus from flu, which mutates faster. All viruses mutate and evolve, but flu is the quickest to do so and the symptoms of flu are far more severe.".
Research from 2013 highlights that rashes occurred in between five and 10 percent of children with HMPV. Unlike flu, patients with HMPV may not suffer from muscle pains or nausea, and it also does not affect taste and smell senses as Covid does. The only way to detect viruses like HMPV is through testing, says Hunter, but many with mild symptoms might not seek testing. Swab samples from the nose and throat can be tested, similar to other viruses; more invasive procedures like bronchoscopies or chest X-rays may inspect airways further.
Hunter advises seeking medical attention for HMPV suspicions if experiencing a high fever (over 103F/40C), difficulty breathing, or cyanosis. While there's no actual "cure" for HMPV, the approach is to "sit it out" – resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding spreading the virus is key, just like with flu or Covid. .
