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| Washing hands frequently with soap is one of the ways to prevent HMPV infection. (Source: Pixabay) |
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has caused a surge in hospitalizations in several northern Chinese provinces, mainly causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
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HMPV causes disease in people of all ages and is closely related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Videos and photos of people wearing masks in Chinese hospitals have been compared to the scene when Covid-19 first broke out five years ago.
Common symptoms of HMPV are similar to mild colds such as cough, stuffy nose, fever and more severe symptoms such as bronchitis, pneumonia. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces or close contact with an infected person.
Who is at high risk for HMPV virus?
- A child's immune system is still developing and is less able to fight off infections. HMPV is a common cause of respiratory infections in infants and young children, which can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
- In addition, the natural aging process weakens the immune system, making older adults more susceptible to infections. In older adults, HMPV can worsen pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, increasing the risk of hospitalization.
- Patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease are more susceptible to viral infections. HMPV can even worsen symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or chronic cough.
- People undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or those with immunocompromised conditions such as HIV/AIDS are less able to fight off infection. HMPV can cause prolonged illness, severe lower respiratory tract infections, and higher rates of hospitalization.
- Heart-related conditions can get worse when you have a respiratory infection.
- Premature babies often have underdeveloped lungs and immature immune systems, so when infected with HMPV, they are susceptible to respiratory failure.
- Frequent contact with infected people increases the chance of catching the virus. Although symptoms may still be mild, they unwittingly infect high-risk populations.
- Schools, daycares and public transport promote close contact, facilitating the spread of the virus. Transmission rates are higher between individuals in these settings.
- Poor nutrition weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections like HMPV. It increases the severity of symptoms and lengthens recovery time.
How to prevent HMPV
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places.
- When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infection.
- Regularly clean surfaces such as doorknobs, phones and keyboards with disinfectant.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away immediately.
- Keep a safe distance from people with respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing.
- If you or someone in your family is unwell, avoid going out to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support immune function.
- Use a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places to reduce the risk of transmission through respiratory droplets.
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