Tag: respiratory illness

Human Metapneumovirus: Why it matters and how to stay protected

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms and mild upper respiratory infections. However, it can occasionally result in more serious lower respiratory issues, such as pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, or worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It poses a greater risk to young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. HMPV infections are most prevalent in the winter and early spring. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces like doorknobs or handles. It enters the body via the eyes, nose, or mouth, making close contact with infected individuals or shared environments a significant risk for transmission.

HMPV typically causes cold- or flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and headaches. Severe symptoms may include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, extreme fatigue, dehydration, or a persistent fever. The estimated incubation period for HMPV is 3 to 6 days, and the duration of illness varies depending on severity. Preventing HMPV and other respiratory infections requires good hygiene and minimizing exposure. Wash hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Cover coughs and sneezes, wear a mask in crowded spaces or when sick, and avoid sharing food or utensils. Improve ventilation in shared spaces and maintain a strong immune system through a healthy lifestyle. Although no vaccine is currently available, research is ongoing.

For More Information on HMPV See the Resources Below: 

Cited Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 11). Human Metapneumovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/human-metapneumovirus/about/index.html

World Health Organization. (2025, January 10). Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/human-metapneumovirus-(hmpv)-infection

American Lung Association. (Updated 2025, January 15). Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV). https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/human-metapneumovirus-hmpv

Mitigating the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses in Long-Term Care Facilities (January 21, 2025 at 12:00pm CT)

It’s respiratory season and in addition to hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, what else can we do to help protect our residents from respiratory illness?  This webinar will describe 10 strategies for mitigating the spread of respiratory illness.  Discussion will include information on air management and strategies for improving ventilation in long-term care facilities for helping to prevent the spread of respiratory pathogens.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe ten strategies for mitigating the spread of respiratory illnesses in the long-term care environment.
  • Discuss the impact of air and ventilation in the transmission of infectious pathogens.
  • Identify three mitigation strategies for improving ventilation in long-term care facilities.

This webinar is presented by the Alabama Regional Center for Infection Prevention and Control and co-sponsored by the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety and the Alabama Statewide Area Health Education Centers (AHEC).

The Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators has reviewed and approved the seminar entitled “Mitigating the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses in Long Term Care Facilities” for 1 hour of continuing education credit for licensed nursing home administrators in the State of Alabama.

The Deep South Center for OH&S is an approved provider of continuing education units for nurses by the AL Board of Nursing (Provider ABNP0420 Expiration Date 7/10/2025) and has awarded this program 1.2 ABN CEUs. All other professionals awarded .1 CEUs..

A.C. Burke, MA, CIC

A.C. Burke has been working with RB Health Partners, Inc. since 2016 and has over 23 years of
experience working in public health and healthcare. A.C. worked for the Florida Department of
Health for 15 years; 5 of those years she served as the Healthcare-associated Infection
Prevention Program Manager. She later was the Director of Infection Prevention for Mayo
Clinic Florida. In her current role, she consults with long-term care facilities on infection
prevention and control policies, procedures, and practices, and provides training to nursing
homes and at conferences, including the 17-hour Nursing Home Infection Prevention Program
(NIPP) Nipping Infections in the Bud. NIPP was created to meet the CMS infection prevention
training required for a facility team member to be recognized as the designated Infection
Prevention Control Official (IPCO). A.C. is nationally recognized in her field and is the primary
author of this program. A.C. holds a master’s degree in health management and is nationally
Board Certified in Infection Control (CIC) by the Certification Board of Infection Control and
Epidemiology, Inc. She is currently the chair of Florida Health Care Association’s Infection
Prevention Council which was created to support Florida’s nursing homes in building and
sustaining infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship programs that meet national
standards. She works with clients to understand and implement national guidelines and best
practices and supports program implementation by creating and delivering education materials,
tools, and training.

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