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The HMPV virus is not a new virus: Van den Hoogen and colleagues in the Netherlands first isolated it in 2001 from the nasopharyngeal secretions of children with respiratory tract infections. The virus was named a human metapneumovirus because it is a metapneumovirus that uses humans as a host.
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that often causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show that it has been circulating in human populations since the 1970s; Scientists first met him in 2001.
The virus accounts for between 4% and 16% of acute respiratory infections worldwide, with cases peaking between November and May. While most adults have developed immunity from past exposure, hMPV can cause more severe symptoms in babies who encounter it for the first time and in other people with weakened immune systems.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sangeeta V Budur, Pediatric and Pediatric Critical Care Consultant, Aster RV Hospital, shared, “It is known to cause a variety of ailments, from mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe pneumonia, bronchiolitis and acute illnesses”. Respiratory distress syndrome Approximately 5% to 25% of acute lower respiratory tract infections in young people are related to HMPV. Viral outbreaks peak in winter and spring in the north. hemisphere and in June and July in the southern hemisphere.
Dr Sangeeta V Budur revealed, “No age organization is safe from the virus, reinfection occurs in life but subsequent infections are mild. Infants, children under 2 years of age, the elderly, other immunocompromised people or people with underlying chronic diseases are more vulnerable to this serious disease. HMPV infection appears to be ubiquitous and virtually all children are exposed before the age of 5 years.
According to Dr Sangeeta V Budur, just like any other respiratory illness, HMPV spread via respiratory droplets i.e. coughing, sneezing or contact with infected secretions.
Dr Sangeeta V Budur said: “Both viruses cause minor respiratory symptoms in highly inflamed people, however, Covid-19 has a wider spectrum of symptoms involving multiple structural systems and a higher likelihood of systemic complications. The comparison between the two viruses is difficult, transmission occurs through the respiratory direction in both cases. HMPV is less transmissible and has less severe symptoms than Covid-19.
What are the symptoms of HMPV virus?
Dr Sangeeta V Budur replied: “Most of the symptoms are mild flu-like symptoms that last 5 to 7 days and require outpatient visits. But in children under five years of age, HMPV is responsible for among the 3 and 10% of hospitalizations. Among hospitalized young people, the main symptoms are high fever, difficulty breathing and infrequent wheezing.
According to Dr. Sangeeta V Budur, HMPV is known to cause upper respiratory tract infection in most children, but in some cases bronchiolitis, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring hospitalization, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation.
Dr Sangeeta V Budur said, “It is difficult to diagnose HMPV based on symptoms alone as it mimics other respiratory infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. PCR testing of nasopharyngeal secretions for HMPV RNA is the gold standard. In India, surveillance systems like ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) check for the presence of respiratory viruses, adding HMPV.
There are no express antiviral medications available. Dr Sangeeta V Budur said: “Treatment is basically symptomatic and supportive with antipyretics and antihistamines. Hospitalized children may require oxygen therapy, nebulizations, and, rarely, mechanical ventilation among those who are severely infected.
Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine directed against HMPV. Dr. Sangeeta V Budur suggested: “Good hand hygiene: wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Coughing etiquette, such as covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and wearing a mask, can restrict the spread of the virus. Other measures include avoiding close contact with other inflamed people and regularly disinfecting touched surfaces.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek your doctor’s advice if you have any questions about a fitness issue.