The HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) is a respiratory virus, and its recent surge can be attributed several factors, including seasonal variations and the relaxation of COVID-19 prevention measures, as per experts. Major precautions to be taken are broadly the same as those during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for children and the elderly.
Dr Prachee Sathe, director of ICU and critical care unit at Ruby Hall Clinic (Pune) said that while people of all ages could be infected, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems were at greater risk.
5 prevention tips against HMPV spread?
1. Frequent handwashing and masking up remain the top precautions.
2. Also, staying away from people who exhibit cold-like symptoms would be a good idea.
3. If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth or do so in the crook of your elbow.
4. Sanitise such spaces that are frequently touched by those with symptoms.
5. Keeping immunity in prime condition by good nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep is also key to keeping infections at bay.
The HMPV is less transmissible, not as severe and has far lesser potential to cause long term complications, when compared to the COVID-19 virus.
However, Dr. Ankita Baidya, consultant, infectious diseases at the Manipal Hospital, Dwarka (New Delhi) said that since China was a neighbouring country there was always the risk of a breakout of infection.
Those who travel to areas where there is an outbreak and display cold or flu-like symptoms must be isolated for three to six days.
Baidya also said that the virus had been around since 2001 in India, but routine screening had not been adopted.
Who is at risk?
Meanwhile, Manisha Mendiratta, associate director and head at the Department of Pulmonology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad said that children were more susceptible due to their still not fully developed immune systems and also as they were put in proximity of adults in day cares and schools.
There was also the danger of their already narrow airways becoming blocked by the inflammation caused by the HMPV. Similarly, those with respiratory ailments like asthma were at greater risk.
