Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory disease with symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. However, it can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In India, five cases of HMPV have been reported so far, including one in Gujarat, two in Karnataka and two in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to India Today TV, renowned pediatrician Dr Krishna Chugh addressed key concerns about hMPV, focusing on its potential dangers to infants and the precautions parents should take against spreading the virus. to be done.

Are newborns and infants more susceptible to HMPV?

Well, babies, but maybe not newborns. Generally, it is seen that the maximum incidence of this disease occurs at or shortly after, say, four to six months of age, and not in the first few months of life. But yes, babies are more at risk. They have not yet been exposed to this virus in the past.

Therefore, the first time they are exposed, their immune system is not yet fully developed. Therefore, they are comparatively more likely to develop more severe disease. And that’s why we become more worried when we see an infant suffering from a suspected respiratory infection. Most of the time, this respiratory infection occurs just like any other respiratory tract infection.

What can parents really do to protect their babies right now?

The virus isn’t around much… so there’s no real need to protect children in that sense like we did in the Covid days. Also, you cannot use masks etc. for infants.

What can be done is that people who have respiratory infections, whether they are adults or some older children of three, four or five years of age, should be kept slightly isolated for 1 to 3 days until improvement is seen.

Otherwise, it’s not really necessary to take any other precautions at the moment. Yes, if the child starts suffering from illness, we can seek medical help.

What are the signs people should pay attention to in babies?

The symptoms are much like those of a viral infection of the respiratory system – runny nose, blocked nose, cough to some extent, redness of the face and entire body to some extent, fever to some extent. But generally, the symptoms end there. It is very rare that someone starts breathing rapidly and gets pneumonia.

Can HMPV really be fatal for children?

Yes, it is possible that it could be fatal, but this would be a very rare case. It has been less than 1%…of the few cases that we have tested and found positive.

We treat it as just another respiratory virus and treat it as if it were a normal viral infection. So, what I would say is that if it is the only virus that is causing respiratory illness, it is unlikely to become a serious or fatal disease. If there are more viruses or excessive bacterial infection has set in, it may be a different story.

Top Pulmonologist on Why HMPV Affects Babies

Dr Vibhu Kawatra said that HMPV is not new and has been in practice for years. He said that unless mutations are seen in the virus, it is unlikely that HMPV could cause major problems.

However, he said infants are more likely to be affected because newborns do not have a fully developed immune system and are not exposed to the virus, so do not have any antibodies.

Dr. Kawatra said that the virus is likely to affect older people, those who are undergoing cancer treatment or those who are diabetic. He said mild symptoms range from common cold to rapid breathing.

In the worst case, he said, the virus can cause severe bronchiolitis and the patient may even need to be put on a ventilator for assistance.

Dr. Ankita Baidya made similar comments, but said that HMPV in infants can cause pneumonia that may require oxygen therapy. Although there is no cause for concern in India right now, Dr Baidya said people with weak immune systems need to be careful.

He said all people with symptoms should wear masks when visiting public places and maintain social distancing as much as possible. Dr. Baidya said that in people who have come in contact with this virus, its symptoms start appearing three-six days after its appearance.

Dr Nirav Patel, who treated an infant suffering from HMPV in Gujarat, said the child was kept on ventilator support for five days, after which he recovered. He said the infant was affected by the virus as his lungs were already weak.

Dr. Patel said that the symptoms of the virus are similar to the common cold, with infants complaining of breathlessness only in severe cases.