The horrors of the coronavirus pandemic are still fresh in most minds. China, meanwhile, is threatened by the outbreak of another virus -- the Human metapneumovirus or HMPV. It belongs to the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps, medical websites point out.
HMPV causes symptoms similar to the common cold in humans. Children, sexaganerians (and above) and people with weak immune systems are most vulnerable to metapneumovirus. Studies show most HMPV cases are mild in nature and most people get it before they turn 5.
What are the common symptoms of human metapneumovirus?
Cough, wheeze, runny nose and sore throat are among the symptoms caused by a mild HMPV infection. However, HMPV is capable of causing complications at times. According to the Cleveland Clinic's website, the patient will require hospitalisation if he/she develops issues like:
- Bronchiolitis (viral infection common during colder months that targets the small airways of a child’s lungs)
- Bronchitis (condition when the airways leading to your lungs (trachea and bronchi) get inflamed and fill with mucus)
- Pneumonia
- Asthma or COPD flare-ups
- Acute otitis media ( a virus or bacteria infects the space behind your child’s eardrum)
READ CLEVELAND CLINIC'S FULL REPORT ON HMPV HERE
How is human metapneumovirus transmitted?
Like viral infections that people are familiar with, HMPV spreads from an infected person to another through direct contact. Medical websites show that people should avoid touching things contaminated with the virus to remain uninfected.
If you have caught the virus, make sure that you cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing. Shaking hands, hugging or kissing people should be also avoided to giving the virus to another, medical experts say. Touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys can also help the transmission of the HMP virus.
