HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and usually affects the upper respiratory tract, although it can occasionally cause lower respiratory infections. The virus is more common in the winter and early spring months.
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus
Symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of the flu or common cold. It can spread from an infected person to others through coughing, sneezing or physical contact. Some common symptoms include:
- Cough
- fever
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- shortness of breath
The incubation period is estimated to be three to six days and the duration depends on the severity of the infection.
Who is most at risk?
Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe disease from HMPV.
Prevention tips:
You can reduce your risk of HMPV and other respiratory diseases by taking these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent spreading.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Consider wearing a mask and avoiding contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Practice self-isolation if you are sick.
Causes of virus spread:
Recently, hospitals across China have become overcrowded again, with large numbers of children and adults showing symptoms of fever and colds. The official name was “Influenza A“And “Human metapneumovirus“, but many said this wave of so-called “flu” was comparable to the outbreak of the new coronavirus three years ago.
The causes of “Influenza A” and “HMPV virus” are similar to those of Covid-19:
- Spread primarily from person to person, even from someone who is infected but has no symptoms.
- When people infected with the virus cough, sneeze, breathe, sing or talk, their breath can be infected with the virus.
- Droplets or particles inhaled by an infected person can potentially be inhaled by other people if they are in close proximity to each other or in areas with low airflow.
- A person can touch a surface that has respiratory droplets and then touch their face with hands that have the virus on them.
(This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice provided by a qualified medical professional. This article is for your general information only. (Zee News does not guarantee its accuracy or reliability.)