What Is HMPV? History | Symptoms | Prevention Tips & More

New Virus Outbreak In China: What Is HMPV? History, Know Symptoms, Prevention Tips And More

Do you want to know about the new virus making headlines in China? What is HMPV, what is its history and symptoms, and what are the important precautions to keep you safe?

What is human metapneumovirus or HMPV?

HMPV is a flu virus that usually affects the upper respiratory system but can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections, especially in children. It is more common in winter and early spring. There are at least four lineages of human metapneumovirus: A1, A2, B1, and B2.

The outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China:

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, China is witnessing an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). According to reports and social media posts, hospitals are overflowing with victims, and funerals are overflowing. Some social media users claim that many viruses pneumoniae, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma, and COVID-19, are circulating in China. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that China has declared a state of emergency, but there is no official confirmation of this. HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) causes flu-like symptoms and primarily affects the upper respiratory system, although it can sometimes lead to lower respiratory infections. This virus is more common during the winter and early spring.

History of human metapneumovirus.

First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, the virus spreads through direct contact between people or when someone touches infected surfaces.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad has made an interesting discovery: human metapneumovirus, a virus first discovered in Pakistan in 2001. This discovery highlights the region's role in advancing our understanding of viral infection!

Symptoms of human metapneumovirus

HMPV symptoms are similar to the flu or cold. It can spread from an infected person to others through coughing, sneezing, or personal contact. Some common symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath

The incubation period is typically from three to six days, depending on the severity of the infection.

Which age group is at a higher risk?

Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe illness from HMPV.

What are the complications of HMPV?

In some cases, HMPV can lead to serious illness that may necessitate hospitalization. Complications include bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, exacerbations of asthma or COPD, and ear infections (otitis media).

Prevention tips:

Here are HMPV or human metapneumovirus prevention tips. We all have prevention tips like COVID-19 we followed.

You can prevent the risk of getting HMPV and other respiratory illnesses with these steps:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to control the spread
• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
• Consider wearing a mask and avoid contact with those who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Practice self-isolation if you are sick.

Therapy or Vaccine:

Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine to prevent HMPV.