HMPV Virus: A Growing Concern
Human metapneumovirus has created havoc in the world. This virus is not new; many patients get infected by this virus across the globe. Usually, children get affected by hmvp before they reach 5 years. Every year, cases are reported for the same. Let us know what the symptoms and treatments available are to keep things under control.
What is the HMPV Virus?
HMPV virus is a cause of acute upper and lower respiratory infections. According to WHO, this infection spread during winters in the Northern Hemisphere and is an active viral infection.
How HMPV Virus spread?
Any virus needs a host system to survive. Hosts get infected through different agents. This disease is considered contagious which means you can easily get infected when you come in contact with the virus by any means, like:
- Droplets are present in the air.
- Through direct contact with the patient.
- Through contaminated objects like phones, clothes, toys, etc.
Note: Keeping the patient and the belongings isolated will reduce the risk of contamination.
Symptoms Related to HMPV Infection?
It is a respiratory tract infection that has symptoms similar to the common cold. The symptoms include:
- Cough
- Cold
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- fever
In severe cases, the common symptoms are rashes on the body and breathlessness. In the current state, limited treatment options are available. Pharmaceutical companies are constantly investing to find a better and more accessible treatment for the hmpv.
Who is at risk?
Younger children, older people, and immunocompromised patients are always easy targets for any microbes. But other than them, any person can get hmvp infection. People with strong immune systems will heal quickly, and the infection pass like a normal cold.
How HMPV is diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals diagnose the virus by observing the symptoms of the patient. For confirmation, a virus detection test is the most reliable option. The test is thoroughly developed by a pharmaceutical company and has good accuracy rates during severe situations.
The use of bronchoscopy or chest X-ray is a reliable source to know better about lung conditions.
What are the treatments available?
HMPV is like a common cold, and doctors prescribe relatable medicines to cure the infection. No vaccine or exact cure is available. Following treatment or meds can help:
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen will manage your headache, fever, etc.
- Decongestants are prescribed by doctors to relieve your stiff or runny nose.
- Use inhalers to relieve coughing and during shortness of breath.
- A corticosteroid spray can help to reduce pressure due to blockage in the nose.
- Steroids can help to reduce inflammation.
Future Development in Treatment
Vaccines can work wonders for the viral disease. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in research to prepare proper medicines and vaccines for the hmpv virus. Being one of the common infections, time demands to find the cure.
HMPV is a viral disease that can easily be managed by taking precautions. Any person with a strong immune system and a healthy lifestyle can protect against the virus. Improve your immune system and live a healthy life.