07/01/2025
HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) was first detected way back in 2001 first identified by a research group in Netherlands. RTI (Respiratory Tract Infection) is common as it mainly affects Children and Elderly people. Now there were cases in Children where they suffer from Bronchiolitis especially in this winter period sometimes PCR test is done where HMPV is detected.
Now, the main thing is that how many children/Elderly people are getting hospitalised, how much worse this HMPV is causing. If we see and calculate then out of 100 only 2-3 gets hospitalised when affected severely. Now the question arises whether the HMPV Virus is that of OLD STRAIN or in this 2025 somehow got mutated and is a NOVEL STRAIN VIRUS which is affecting people a lot.
HMPV spreads from person to person through
• Droplets from coughing or sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes
Incubation period
3 to 6 days (estimated)
Most cases of human metapneumovirus usually improve in few days to a week
Treatment
• Stay hydrated / Healthy Diet rich in antioxidants
• Rest
• Drugs for pain /fever/symptomatic relief
• Oxygen support in severe cases
No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV
RISK REDUCTION
• Washing your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with a cold or other contagious diseases.
• Consider wearing a mask if you're sick and can't avoid being around others.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth
No need to panic at all but definitely wear a MASK in public places. Why should one wear MASK? It is the most important and simplest way to prevent transmission.
Elderly individuals especially those who are immunocompromised (diabetics, post chemotherapy etc) should be caution about it and without failure should wear masks for sure.
