Human Metapneumovirus, hMPV, is lately in the news with increased cases reported from China and now India. It is only natural that this finds many of us asking if it is serious and threatening, on the one hand, like COVID-19, and on the other, whether it has reached an alarming proportion. Never fear; experts in healthcare put things right and offer practicable tips for safety.
According to Dr. Joydeep Ghosh, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, hMPV is not a new virus. “The virus has been around for 15-25 years, and 10-15% of respiratory illness cases in countries like the USA have been attributed to it, especially among children,” he explains. The symptoms of hMPV are similar to seasonal flu, including sore throat, cough, fever, runny nose, mild joint pain, and in severe cases—particularly for those with pre-existing lung conditions breathing difficulties.
One reason for its low profile in India until now is limited testing. According to Dr. Ghosh, the test for hMPV, known as the Upper Respiratory Viral Panel, is quite expensive (â‚ą25,000-27,000) and was rarely conducted before COVID-19. Instead, cases were typically managed based on symptoms.
While the sudden rise in cases from China has attracted a lot of attention, experts stress that hMPV is much milder and deadly compared to COVID-19. “So far, there’s no evidence of a dangerous strain. Most patients recover within 4-5 days, and the mortality rate remains very low, even for infants and the elderly.” – says Dr. Sumita Saha, Consultant Paediatrician, Fortis Hospital, reassuringly, while admitting that the virus can only be so manageable if it doesn’t mutate in some serious ways.
It spreads much like any other respiratory infection droplets from coughs, sneezes, or close contact. Bad hygiene and crowded spaces also encourage the spread of the virus. Symptoms resemble the common cold or flu and are usually dangerous for infants and older adults.
Doctors recommend some simple precautions to stay protected:
Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Sanitize when needed
Avoid crowded events and stay away from infected persons
Keep away if you are feeling sick, so as not to spread it to other people
The parents must also take more precautions about the immunity of their child by feeding him properly and by limiting his interaction with anyone showing signs of being sick.
The psychological impact of COVID-19 is the basis for the continuing fear of respiratory infections, experts say, and hMPV is not something new or worse. “Awareness is important, but so is dissipating unnecessary fear,” says Dr. Saha.
“This virus has been around for decades. The need to remain vigilant and maintain preventive measures applies, but to remain calm and not overreact is equally essential,” says Dr. Ghosh.
By taking simple, everyday precautions, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe from hMPV and other respiratory illnesses. Stay informed, stay safe!
