WHAT IS HMPV AND HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
HMPV - human metapneumovirus has been the talk of the town for the last few days, since a surge in its cases was reported in China.
Let us take a closer look at what HMPV is, how it spreads, and what medications are available for it.
- First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV spreads through direct contact between people, or when someone touches a contaminated surface.
- The virus leads to a mild upper respiratory tract infection for most people.
- It is usually almost indistinguishable from the flu.
- Symptoms for most people include a cough, a fever, and a blocked nose.
- The very young, including children under two, are most vulnerable to the virus.
- There aren’t any antiviral medications that treat human metapneumovirus, and treatment is geared towards easing the symptoms.
- However, there are certain precautions which we can take to prevent its contraction which are, washing hands regularly, wearing a mask in crowded places, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
