a few moments agoAuthor: Gaurav Tiwari
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corona After 5 years of the epidemic, a respiratory disease has again appeared in China. The name of this new virus is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). News is going viral on social media that HMPV is wreaking so much havoc in China that there is a shortage of beds for patients.
Health authorities in China have implemented some protocols to deal with this virus. However, no official announcement of emergency has been made yet in this regard.
After this news, the whole world is afraid of HMPV because similar cases were reported in the beginning during Covid and gradually this disease took the form of an epidemic.
so ‘medical certificate‘ Today I will talk about HMPV. You will also learn that-
- What are the symptoms of this disease?
- Can this virus spread in the world like Corona?
- Is there any cure or vaccine for this disease?
Expert: Dr. Ankit Bansal, Consultant, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi
Question: What is HMPV virus?
answer: HMPV is an RNA virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. This may cause coughing or wheezing in the throat. There may be a runny nose or sore throat. Its risk is higher in cold weather.
Question: How does HMPV virus spread?
answer: The HMPV virus spreads through coughing and sneezing. This virus spreads through contact with an infected person. It can also spread by shaking hands with an infected person or touching any object infected with the virus. Its symptoms start appearing in 3 to 5 days after getting infected.
Question: What are the symptoms of HMPV disease?
answer: Its most common symptoms are cough and fever. Initially its symptoms appear similar to normal viral ones, but if the effect of the virus is severe then there can be a risk of pneumonia and bronchitis. What are its symptoms, see in the graphic:
Question: Can a new epidemic spread again in the world?
answer: It is too early to say about HMPV. It is true that there is a lot of discussion on the internet and social media that a new epidemic has arrived in China. Some people are even claiming that China is hiding the real situation.
Suppose the HMPV virus is spreading in China. It is also creating difficulties for children and the elderly. Despite this, the situation has not become so bad that the Chinese government or the World Health Organization should issue any alert in this regard. Therefore, instead of panicking, we should wait for an official statement.
Question: Is HMPV like corona virus?
answer: HMPV virus (Paramyxoviridae Family) and Corona virus (Coronaviridae Family), both are part of different families. Despite this, many things are similar in them.
Respiratory Illness: Both viruses mainly affect the respiratory system.
Transmission: Both viruses spread through inhalation and contact with contaminated surfaces.
symptoms: Symptoms of both viruses are similar. These include fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly and people with weak immunity are most at risk from both viruses.
Prevention: Keeping hands clean, wearing masks and social distancing are important measures to prevent both viruses.
Question: Can this virus spread all over the world like Corona?
answer: This is not a new virus. Last year also there was news of its spread in China. In the year 2023, this virus was also detected in countries like Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada and America. According to the National Library of Medicine, it was first detected in the Netherlands in 2001. However, it is considered to be a virus at least 50 years old.
No such variant of this virus has been seen yet, which spreads in an explosive manner like Corona.
Question: Is there any treatment or vaccine for this disease?
answer: No antiviral medicine has been made yet for HMPV virus. However, it has a very normal effect on most people. Therefore, its symptoms can be managed only by staying at home. People who develop severe symptoms may be given oxygen therapy, IV drips, and corticosteroids (a form of steroids).
No vaccine has been developed yet to deal with this virus. In fact, due to HMPV virus, such conditions have not yet arisen that there is a need to make a vaccine for it.
Question: Should we start preparations regarding HMPV from now on?
answer: There is no need to panic about HMPV virus. The Government of India is monitoring this. Being a neighboring country of China, the Indian government is already alert. Most senior doctors are saying that they do not foresee any serious situation due to HMPV in India.
Question: What are Chinese health officials saying about HMPV?
answer: The Chinese Health Ministry has said the situation is not unusual considering the flu season. HMPV is a common virus spreading in this season. The government is keeping a close eye on the situation.
When asked about foreign travel in China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that more cases of respiratory tract infections are reported during the winter season. Compared to last year, this year respiratory diseases are less serious and are spreading on a lesser scale. It is safe to travel to China.
Question: Has WHO issued any update regarding HMPV?
answer: No, the World Health Organization has not yet issued any update regarding the HMPV virus spreading in China. However, China’s neighboring countries have demanded WHO to issue correct updates in this regard.
Question: What have the health officials of India said about HMPV?
answer: The country’s Director General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goyal has said that there is no possibility of any serious situation regarding this in India. Here metapneumovirus is a normal respiratory virus. Due to this, symptoms like cold and flu can be seen.
However, its symptoms may be a little severe in the elderly and in children under one year of age. Despite this, it is not a serious disease. Our hospitals are fully prepared to deal with the situation. …………………….. Also read this news of Sehatnama Sehatnama- These 10 warm drinks will keep you healthy in winter: Immune system will be strong, body will remain warm, Learn benefits from nutritionist
It is beneficial to drink warm drinks made from natural ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, honey, lemon, basil leaves and ginger. This will make the morning start energetic. This will help you stay healthy and fresh throughout the cold season. Read the full news…
