China is experiencing an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in multiple regions, five years after the Covid-19 pandemic. What is the virus? And how to prevent infection and what is the cure?
Videos circulating on social media seem to depict Chinese hospitals overwhelmed by a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases. The rising fear of another potential pandemic, just five years after COVID-19 disrupted life worldwide, has fueled panic on social media.
But what is HMPV? What are the symptoms of the HMPV and how can you prevent any infection from HMPV? Here are the details.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that belongs to the pneumoviridae family, the same group that includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
If you contract HMPV, you may experience mild cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, or a sore throat, typically lasting a few days. In rare cases, more severe symptoms can occur, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or other risk factors. While anyone can get HMPV, it is more common in young children and older adults.
HMPV and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, fever, congestion, sore throat, and shortness of breath.
They are transmitted in comparable ways and can lead to hospitalization in their most severe forms. However, unlike COVID-19, there is no antiviral treatment or vaccine available for HMPV, WebMD said in reports. HMPV is a seasonal virus, typically active during the winter and spring, whereas COVID-19 can circulate year-round due to the emergence of new variants.
Healthy individuals infected with HMPV typically experience mild symptoms, but in some cases, the virus can lead to more severe health conditions. Mild symptoms of HMPV include a cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, fever, and shortness of breath.
In more severe cases, HMPV can lead to serious respiratory issues, such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or worsening asthma problems. These conditions are more likely to affect individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.
HMPV can cause symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. These are some measures you can take to help prevent infection:
Practice Hygiene
It is recommended to wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces that may be contaminated. Usage of hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
Additionally, it is recommended to not touch high-contact surfaces like railings, doorknobs, etc.
Cover During Coughing And Sneezing
Medical reports recommend covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading droplets that may contain the virus.
Less Exposure During Winter
Reports showed that HMPV infections are more common in the fall and winter, so take extra precautions during these seasons, such as avoiding crowded indoor spaces when possible.