A seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses in China is drawing significant attention this year, especially on social media. The focus stems from unfounded comparisons to the Covid-19 pandemic, which began five years ago. China recently faced an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Reacting to the outbreak, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Atul Goyal said on Friday that HMPV (human metapneumovirus) is a normal respiratory problem that causes the common cold. He also stated that so far no case of this virus has been reported in India yet.
“The data from December 16-22 indicates a recent rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), however, the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year is lower than last year. A seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in the northern hemisphere, particularly during the winter period,” sources said after an update from WPRO.
A top official of the country’s repository of technical knowledge on medical issues has asked people not to panic over the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goel suggested taking general precautions against all respiratory infections.
What Is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes infections of the lungs and airways, similar to RSV. It can cause mild, cold-like symptoms, but can also lead to more severe illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
Precautionary measures to prevent HMPV spread include: frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and staying home when sick. There is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
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