In this article, we will discuss preventive measures and treatment for HMPV as well as some common questions related to it.
HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) is in the news due to its increased cases in China. The symptoms of the disease are similar to the common cold and can be transmitted easily from person to person through droplets, infected surfaces, and contact with an infected person. There is no specific treatment for the disease and only preventive measures can be useful in preventing the disease and its surge. People with weak immune systems are at the highest risk of disease.
What is HMPV?
HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) is a virus believed to have originated from birds before adapting to infect humans. Symptoms of this disease look similar to that of a common cold like a runny nose, sore throat, cough, etc. but the symptoms worsen with time and cause asthma, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aged people above 64, children below 5 and patients having immunosuppressors are at the highest risk of infection.
What Are the Preventive Measures for HMPV?
Currently, no specific medication or vaccines are available for the HMPV virus. So, preventive measures are the only effective measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Here is a list of preventive measures necessary for HMPV prevention:
Avoid Crowded Places
People should avoid crowded places, as the virus can be transmitted by droplets suspended in the air. Infection probability also increases when a person comes in close contact with an infected person. So avoiding crowded places during the time of infection is the best way to avoid and spread infection.
Adopt Good Hygienic Practice
Adopt the routine of washing hands regularly and always when coming home from outside. A person should also wash their face and other exposed surfaces with soap for at least 20 seconds to minimize the probability of transmission.
Use Alcohol based Senitizers
Use alcohol-based sensitizers regularly when coming indoors if water is not available. Sensitizers also minimize the risk of infection with other diseases by killing the micro-organisms.
Avoid visiting Patients
People should avoid visiting patients having the symptoms fo the common cold or who are diagnosed with the HMPV virus. Restricting contact with the infected person is the most effective way of minimizing the spread of infection.
Isolated yourself
A person having symptoms that match with HMPV disease or common cold should isolate himself/herself from the other members of the family. Keeping distance and adopting standard precautions can be very useful in avoiding the spread of disease to your loved ones.
Maintain Distance
Make a habit of maintaining distance from the person having the symptoms of the disease. It should also be adopted in normal conditions because most infectious diseases are transmitted when coming close to the infected person. Maintaining distance will help to reduce transmission and spread.
Disinfection of the surfaces
Continuously disinfect the surfaces that have more probability of having virus and are mostly touched. Surfaces of door knobs, fridge handles, desktops etc. should be disinfected frequently to stop the spread.
Always wear mask
Make a habit of wearing a mask when going outdoors. This helps to prevent from getting infection and also prevents the spread of the disease. A person should also replace the mask regularly with the new mask after use. Using the same mask for more time can increase the probability of infection.
These were some of the preventive measures for HMPV virus spread and to avoid the infection.
What is the Treatment for HMPV?
There is no specific vaccine or medication for the virus, but some medications and therapies can relieve the symptoms. Here is a list of treatments that can be used to relieve the symptoms.
Oxygen Therapy
This treatment is given when a patient has a hard time breathing. The patient is given extra oxygen to meet the need through the tube in the nose or face mask.
IV Fluids
The person will be given the fluids directly in the veins, which helps to hydrate the patient. Dehydration is also a severe symptom of the disease and fixing the condition through IV is one of the effective measures to meet the need.
Steroid drugs
Steroid drugs like corticosteroids are given to reduce inflammation, which helps to ease the symptoms of the disease.
Adequate Rest
A person suffering from HMPV disease should get adequate rest to ease the symptoms and improve the recovery rate.
Hydration
Taking adequate amounts of fluids to meet the need and keep the body hydrated to ease the symptoms of the conditions.
Over the Counter Drugs
As there are no specific drugs, but over the counter can be used to counter the early symptoms of cough, fever, nasal congestion etc.
Conclusion
HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) is in the news due to its increased cases in China. The symptoms of the disease are similar to the common cold and can be transmitted easily from person to person through droplets, infected surfaces, and contact with an infected person. HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) is a virus believed to have originated from birds before adapting to infect humans. Symptoms of this disease look similar to that of a common cold like a runny nose, sore throat, cough, etc. There is no specific treatment for the condition, but oxygen therapy, IV fluids, the counter counterdrugs can be given to relieve the symptoms of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is HMPV?
HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) is a virus believed to have originated from birds before adapting to infect humans. Symptoms of this disease look similar to that of a common cold like a runny nose, sore throat, cough, etc. but the symptoms worsen with time and cause asthma, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease..
What are the Symptoms of HMPV?
HMPV symptoms include fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, wheezing body aches, runny nose etc.
What is the treatment of HMPV?
There is no specific treatment for the disease, but oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and over-the-counter drugs can be used to relieve the symptoms.
Which tests can be used for HMPV Diagnosis?
Tests like chest X-ray, bronchoscopy, HMPV PCR Tests and Antigen Tests can be used for HMPV diagnosis.
Can antibiotics be used for HMPV?
Antibiotics cannot be used for HMPV however, antibiotics can be used to relieve the symptoms associated with HMPV.
