HMPV Symptoms, Precautions, and Treatment: Answers to All Your Questions

Five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in India, the first since it was found in China. Such cases have been reported across the country; there was one from Gujarat while there were two each from Karanataka and Tamilnadu.

Concerns have always arisen once HMPV cases appear into the clinical setting, especially those affecting the children, the elderly and the immune compromised. It presents flu-like symptoms, but can cause more serious complications in certain groups, for example infants.

Here are answers to some common questions about HMPV:

What is HMPV? The HMPV is a global respiratory virus that severally presents minor signs including fever, coughing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. While many individuals are only mildly affected by influenza-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, skin rash, cough and runny nose, the flu can be fatal in babies, the elderly and immunocompromised people.

After its identification in 2001, HMPV has been accepted internationally as a serious respiratory virus with predominant incidence in children under five years. In India, HMPV contributes to about 3% acute respiratory infections of children with 10-12% of respiratory diseases attributable to the virus. While such instances are unusual, you might develop serious side effects like pneumonia, more so if you have a pre-existing health condition.

Examples of HMPV in India Karnataka has been affected by the HMPV cases as two infants contracted the virus. These cases were also confirmed by the Ministry of Health through surveillance that was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Besides, there were two cases in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai and Salem, and the children are in critical but stable condition at the moment.

What signs are indicative of HMPV? Symptoms are usually gastrointestinal and respiratory and are not severe; it is almost identical to the flu or the common cold for healthy adults. But while healthy people only get mild respiratory symptoms like coughing, sputum production, and slight difficulty in breathing, older adults and immunocompromised persons may get severe respiratory symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and development of pneumonia.

In severe cases, or in some particularly susceptible population, such as infants, such symptoms intensify, possible developments are wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid or increased rate of breathing, use of chest muscles in breathing, cyanosis, or bluish discolouration of the lips or fingers. HMPV can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia and calling for early medical care, if not treated.

Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director at International SOS, pointed out that HMPV had been identified as a seasonal disease in India for the last two decades. He insisted none of the available information has indicated that the virus has somehow changed for the worse or for instance has become more infectious. “Masks,SHGs,frequent hand washing,nosuch masks etc all are very useful in containing HMPV and other respiratory viruses,”said Dr Vora to Business standard.

Treatment for HMPV Until now, no specific antiviral drugs have been availed for the treatment of HMPV. While some of the mild signs of the disease can be treated at home , most people can go without professional help. However, if their condition is heavy they may be referred to the hospital for better monitoring and follow up. In such situations, healthcare providers may administer:

• Oxygen therapy: Giving oxygen through a nasal tube or a face mask in case breathing is a problem.
• Intravenous fluids: To ensure proper hydration.
• Corticosteroids: Used to lessen inflammation and decrease signs and symptoms.

Preventive measures There is no need to panic due to HMPV The guideline for prevention or safety measures among the population highlight the fact that this virus is dangerous, especially to the vulnerable groups; Notably, ex WHO Chief Scientist, Soumya Swaminathan came out to clarify that there is no cause for alarm regarding HMPV and going about normal business is enough to safeguard against it. These measures are; using face masks, washing hands most of the time, staying away from large congregations, and consulting healthcare providers in case the situation gets worse.

To reduce the risk of HMPV transmission, experts recommend the following preventive measures:

• Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes and always make sure to wash your hands with soap and running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stay away from those people with flu like symptoms particularly those with respiratory manifestations.
• Put on a face covering in crowded places.
• Clean formal objects that look for viruses to be eradicated from surfaces and other objects that get into touch regularly.
• The signs and symptoms to look out for are wheezing or break down in breathing, if which should call a doctor as soon as possible.

Government and HMPV At the state level, various states including Odisha, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have both reassured the public that the governments are well capable of managing the increasing cases of HMPV. Similarly, in Odisha, its Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra pacified the situation stating no such advisories were out by the centre.

Also Read: Government Confirms Detection of HMPV in Two 3-Month-Old and 8-Month-Old Babies in India