Should We Be Concerned? Symptoms, Prevention, and What You Need to Know – Insights from Dr. Divya Surendran, Consultant Pulmonologist at Prakriya Hospitals.
Hello Everybody,
Of late, all of us are quite alarmed at the news of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) outbreak in China. It has, infact raised concerns globally.
We are even more perturbed by the detection of 2 cases in Bengaluru and 1 case in Gujarat. Is the world heading to another pandemic? In the light of this, there is a pressing need to informed about the disease, its symptoms, treatment and prevention.
It has to be noted that HMPV or Human Meta Pneumo Virus is not a new virus, it was first discovered in 2001, in Netherlands. It has already been in circulation globally, including India, it is detected throughout the year, but peaks in winter. Actually HMPV is a common virus, around 10% of respiratory infections in children are caused by HMPV.
The symptoms of HMPV are just like any other respiratory illness and include cough, fever, sneezing, running nose or nasal congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath. Most cases are mild. Having said that, children less than 5 years, elderly people above 65 years and people with weak immunity (like those with HIV, autoimmune diseases, organ transplant recipients, those on long term steroids) might suffer from a more serious disease like bronchopneumonia.
This could also happen if we are affected with the virus for the first time though subsequent infections with HMPV would be mild. Furthermore, it can cause exacerbations of asthma and COPD . It is spread by direct contact with the patient, especially through airdroplets when an affected person coughs or sneezes, or while shaking hands, hugging and kissing, or touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles , keyboards or toys.
The virus is usually detected using nasopharyngeal swab by antigen test or RTPCR. There is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for HMPV. Nevertheless, adopting certain measures might mitigate the risk of transmission. Wash your hands with soap and water at least for 20 seconds, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, stay away from people who are sick, cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, refrain from sharing cups, vessels, towels and linens with others, avoid public places if symptomatic, do not reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs , avoid spitting in public places, wear mask in crowded areas.
As there is no specific treatment for the disease, management focuses on alleviating symptoms with supportive care like rest, hydration and over the counter medication for pain, fever and nasal congestion. Serious cases require hospital admission or even ICU care with oxygen therapy, IV fluids and corticosteroids.
Currently the Indian Government and health authorities are monitoring the situation closely. There is no cause for alarm, but preventive measures are recommended. Let us adhere to the popular saying, “Prevention is better than cure”.
