MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72776" align="alignleft" width="148"] Dr. Schaffner[/caption] Dr. William Schaffner M.D. Professor of Medicine Preventive Medicine, Health Policy Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Interview arranged with the assistance of the Infectious Disease Society of America. MedicalResearch.com: What are the symptoms of HMPV? How is it transmitted? Are some individuals more susceptible to infection or more serious disease?  Response: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)  is a seasonal respiratory virus that has a worldwide distribution, causing late winter/early spring outbreaks in temperate zones.  It cocirculates with other seasonal respiratory viruses including influenza, COVID, and RSV.  Virtually all children have experienced infection by age 5; persons experience HMPV reinfections throughout life.  The virus is transmitted through close personal contact, most efficiently indoors.  Infection with HMPV can produce a spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from a common cold to acute respiratory distress.  Persons at increased risk of severe disease include older persons and those with chronic medical conditions.