While India has confirmed five new cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) – two in Karnataka, two in Tamil Nadu and one in Gujarat – the health ministry, along with experts, is insisting that there is no need to panic. Is. no new pathogensHaving said that, regular flu shots or even three doses of COVID-19 vaccine can make you immune to the infection.

Saying that this is not a new virus and urging the citizens of the country to remain calm, doctors say that there is no need to panic.

“This does not mean that we should panic. It is an RNA virus and has been around for some time. We see cases come and go, especially during the winter months. It is a regular viral fever with cough, cold and respiratory problems,” said Dr Nihar Parekh, pediatrician, MBBS, DCH, MD (USAIM) on his Instagram account.

HMPV is a globally recognized respiratory virus that has attracted widespread attention following its recent outbreak in China. This viral pathogen is known to cause respiratory infections in all age groups.

Viruses account for 4–16 percent of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases typically peaking between November and May. While most adults have developed immunity through previous exposure, HMPV can cause more severe symptoms in infants and people who encounter it for the first time. weak immune system,

“Most people who are infected HMPV experiences mild symptoms And recover without the need for any special treatment. “Although hospitalization is possible, it is relatively rare and usually occurs in individuals with pre-existing health conditions or a weakened immune system,” Dr Videh Sharma, MD, physician at Ruby Hall Clinic, told Times Now.

“Medical professionals are well equipped to deal with HMPV infection, as diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for managing viral respiratory diseases are well established,” he said.

HMPV is similar to the common cold

According to doctors, HMPV usually has symptoms like common cold. This often causes upper respiratory infectionBut it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and asthma or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. HMPV infections are more common in winter and early spring.

Most people get HMPV before they are 5 years old. You can get hMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection.

Researchers estimate that about 10-12 percent of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5 percent of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia.

Signs and Symptoms of HMPV

Some signs and symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:

• cough
• Fever
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• rash all over the body

How does the HMPV virus spread?

According to doctors, HMPV is spread by direct contact with someone who has it or by touching things contaminated with the virus, for example:

• coughing and sneezing
• handshake, hug or kiss
• Touching surfaces or objects such as phones, door handles, keyboards, or toys.

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