The world is again alarming after another outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Recently, India has also reported around 9 confirmed cases of HMPV so far. So, it is vital to understand the virus, its symptoms, and ways to prevent it to keep families and communities safe.
What is HMPV?
HMPV is a respiratory virus, which is infection of people of all age groups. However, it majorly impacts young children, people with weak immunity, and elderly people.
How Does It Spread?
It spreads through respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, throat infection, or coughing. If you come in close contact with an infected person or touch an infected surface, you can also transmit the condition.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of HMPV infection are:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Breathing infection or wheezing
Who is at Risk?
The following age groups are highly susceptible to major HMPV infections:
- Children under 5 years of age
- Elderly people – especially those above 65 years of age
- People undergoing chemotherapy
- People with weak immune system
Testing and Diagnosis:
- Medical practitioners often diagnose HMPV via laboratory tests, like antigen or PCR tests.
- When to Seek Medical Attention
- You need to seek medical attention if you feel you are finding it hard to breathe or suffering from chronic health conditions, such as COPD or asthma.
Treatment
Some impactful ways to treat this condition are:
- Hydration and proper rest
- Hospitalization in case of severe condition, following IV fluid ingestion or oxygen therapy
- Over-the-counter medicines for congestion and fever
Prevention Tips for Families and Communities
Follow the given tips to prevent your family and community from the adverse impact of HMPV infection:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent HMPV spread. You must wash your hands properly with soap and water for around 20 seconds before touching your face or eating anything.
- Clean Your Environment: Keep your environment clean by cleaning high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces, such as light switches, countertops, doorknobs, remote controls, etc. Also, don’t touch your face without washing your hands thoroughly.
- Make Sure your Vaccination is Up to Date: Although there is no particular vaccination for this infection so far, make sure your family members are up to date on certain vaccinations, like pneumonia and flu vaccinations. This can help reduce the likelihood of infection spreading and the risk of respiratory conditions.
- Maintain Distance from Infected Individuals: HMPV spreads through sneezing, coughing, and coming in close contact with an infected person. So, you must avoid close contact with infected individuals to prevent HMPV transmission.
- Seek Timely Medical Attention: It is best to be well aware of seasonal respiratory infections in your family. And, if a symptom persists longer than usual, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention without any delay. When you seek early medical advice, it can prevent the condition from worsening while helping you manage complications more effectively.
Conclusion
Currently, HMPV infection outbreak has forced the world to keep a watchful eye on their health. While there is no vaccination or treatment for this new virus so far, it’s important to follow the given preventive measures to reduce your risk of transmission. So, stay well-informed about this health condition and be prepared for any changes in public health guidelines.