It’s winter across the northern hemisphere, the flu season is officially in full swing, and a new virus is shining more than the others. The HPMV, or human metapneumovirus, is creating an outbreak in China. More than 200 affected people and hospitals flooded with patients; China is grappling with yet another health crisis, and the threat of another pandemic looms over the globe. Let’s learn more about this new virus and how we can stay safe.

What is the human metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus, or the HMP virus, is an RNA virus from the family of bird flu viruses, including the respiratory syncytial virus. The HMPV was first detected in the Netherlands in 2001 as an undiagnosed virus infecting cell cultures in the lab. Some experts even say the virus was circulating worldwide as early as 1958. Like COVID-19, it is a seasonal virus, which can also indicate its temperature-sensitive nature.

What is the relation between HMPV and COVID-19?

HMPV and COVID-19 are both flu and share a lot of similarities despite being from different families of viruses. Both cause similar symptoms, spread through cough and droplets, and infect the respiratory tract. These infections are also more prevalent in kids and older adults and can range from mild to severe. The only difference is that no vaccine has been developed for HMPV, and the treatment remains undefined except for COVID-19.

How is HMPV transmitted?

HMPV is transmitted via air droplets and usually through the air passage. Below are some of how HMPV is transmitted to other people:

1. Inhalation of droplets produced by coughing.

2. Close physical contact like handshaking.

3. Aerosols suspended in air due to sneezing and talking.

4. Touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, TVs and remotes.

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

HMPV is a virus that infects the upper and lower respiratory tract and is known to cause symptoms similar to COVID-19. Some of the symptoms complained of by patients include the following:

1. Sneezing
2. Coughing
3. Sore throat
4. Wheezing in severe cases
5. Respiratory distress in complicated pneumonia
6. Shortness of breath
7. Fever
8. Fatigue
9. Headache
10. Muscle pain.

All of these symptoms can occur in a spectrum of mild to severe disease, and although they can be dealt with at home, more serious patients may need to be hospitalized.

Who is at risk of severe infection by human metapneumovirus?

Severe infection due to HMPV can mostly be seen with extremes of age and also the following individuals:

1. Pregnant women
2. Small children
3. Older adults
4. Immunocompromised individuals, like those who have AIDS and other immune deficiency disorders
5. Diabetic patients

These population groups should take extra care while going to crowded places.

What are the precautions one can take to prevent HMPV?

Maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene is the frontrunner in preventing any infections due to the virus. Some other precautions you can take to prevent yourself from falling sick this winter are as follows. 1. Wear a mask while going out.

2. Keep social distance and avoid close contact with people cough who have coughs.

3. keep your immunity boosted with exercise and sound and nutritious food.

4. Avoid going out if you have the flu.

5. Maintain hand hygiene and use sanitizer after touching common surfaces.

What are the emergency symptoms due to the infection that need hospitalization?

In case the HMPV virus infects you and you experience any of the following symptoms, it is necessary to visit the hospital immediately:

1. shortness of breath
2. fall in blood oxygen below 95%
3. fall in blood pressure
4. loss of consciousness
5. altered sensorium
6. chest pain

What is the approach of the Indian health system towards the new outbreak?

The health ministry is taking active steps to control this outbreak. The Ministry of Health has ensured that the country’s health system is more than adequate at handling any possible spread of infection. The Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology has increased testing and screening for the HMPV and also assured that the Indian strain of this virus is much milder and nothing to be concerned about. The advisory requests that people observe respiratory and hand hygiene and avoid crowded places.

Conclusion Now that we know more about the HMP virus, it is easy to see that although there is no reason for panic, caution is required for general well-being. Children and elders are at a higher risk for complications and, therefore, need to be more careful. General precautions regarding respiratory health and hygiene observed during COVID-19, alongside maintenance of good health, are more than sufficient.

• Book An appointment for Covid 19 test or HMPV : https://medintu.in/covid-19-test-at-home/
• For Chest X-ray : https://medintu.in/x-ray-at-home/
• For Blood test : https://medintu.in/blood-sample-collection-at-home/

How long does it take to recover from human metapneumovirus

The recovery time for HMPV usually takes 7 to 10 days. However, it also depends on the types of symptoms that affect our body. You may also have symptoms, like a cough, that take longer to go away.

Hmpv virus cases in India

In a Bangalore hospital, two babies tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

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