Newly Diagnosed with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Find Out More About Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have HPS, you may feel overwhelmed and frightened. It’s important that you take the following steps:

• Work with your healthcare provider to seek treatment in a timely fashion.
• Take note of your symptoms, when they began, and any rodent encounters you may have had, including spaces you have been in that could have been a source of exposure.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding any testing and treatment.
• Be aware of HPS symptoms and signs that your symptoms could be getting worse.
• Work to ensure that future rodent exposure is minimized by avoiding places that pose a risk and by following instructions to safely clean spaces where rodent nests and droppings are present.

Take Care of Yourself

Recovering from HPS can be a slow and frustrating process. Be aware that it will not happen right away, and you may have difficulty resuming physical activity. You may have prolonged fatigue and weakness, but it’s okay to gradually reintroduce exercise as you build your endurance back up. It is important to keep any follow-up appointments so your healthcare provider can monitor your recovery.

Connect With Others

Being diagnosed with and recovering from a life-threatening illness can cause significant distress for you and your loved ones. It is normal to experience strong emotions both during the onset of the illness and your recovery. You do not have to cope with these feelings alone. There are both online and in-person support groups available where you can get support from others, learn more about your disease and feel empowered about management strategies.

• Join a Living with Lung Disease Community (online support community)
• Join a Better Breathers Club (support groups offered virtually and in person)
• Join the Patient and Caregiver Network (online network that offers a variety of resources, education and lung disease management tools).

You can also call the Lung Association's Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA to talk to a trained respiratory professional who can help answer your questions about HPS and they can help connect you with support.