A little-known virus that causes nasty flu-like symptoms is spreading in California \u2014 and it doesn\u2019t have a vaccine.<\/p>\n
Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been steadily rising since winter began, but new data suggests the virus is surging in Northern California.<\/p>\n
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has steadily gained ground since winter began. Getty Images<\/p>\n
Wastewater monitoring has found high levels of HMPV in several Northern California communities, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Davis, and Vallejo, according to the San Francisco Chronicle<\/a>.<\/p>\n Like the flu, HMPV is seasonal. Cases typically rise in January, peak in March and April, and then decline as temperatures warm in May.<\/p>\n Most people in the US may not know about HMPV, but experts say its symptoms can resemble those of a cold, the flu, or RSV<\/a>.<\/p>\n For most people, HMPV causes mild illness that goes away in a few days. Symptoms can include cough, fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and sometimes a rash.<\/p>\n However, in serious cases, HMPV can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, or ear infections. It may also trigger asthma attacks or make chronic lung problems like COPD worse.<\/p>\n Studies show that nearly everyone will get HMPV at least once in their life.<\/p>\n Studies show that nearly everyone will get HMPV at least once in their life. Getty Images<\/p>\n HMPV spreads through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces.<\/p>\n The virus spreads most easily during the first few days of illness and usually remains contagious for 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 7 days after exposure, according to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>.<\/p>\n Those at higher risk include young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.<\/p>\n Those at higher risk include young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Getty Images\/Maskot<\/p>\n