Five years after the start of the coronavirus infection, the number of people infected with the human metapneumovirus HMPV virus in northern China has increased, raising new concerns.
This incident occurred exactly five years after the global pandemic of the Covid-19 virus, which killed 7 million people worldwide.
Senior Chinese officials are quoted as saying that infections are increasing among those aged 14 and under.
Why are patients overflowing in China?
The doctor said, ‘Since COVID, China’s health system has changed a lot. Monitoring, that is, the method of monitoring the disease, has changed. Even though there is a small infection, the government of that country is taking strong measures to combat the disease. It is testing everyone. It is issuing preventive orders. People are getting scared after watching these videos. But there is no reason to panic so much right now.’
Is there no medicine, no vaccine?
No vaccine has yet been invented to prevent human metapneumovirus infection. On the other hand, there is no medicine to treat it if you are infected. Isn’t this situation scary? In the words of Subarna Goswami,
‘There are millions of viruses known to scientists in the world for which there is no vaccine or medicine. That does not mean that people are dying due to infection with that virus. In most cases, the infection resolves itself. Some viruses, like polio and measles, cause considerable physical complications. Therefore, vaccines are given in advance. Otherwise, in most cases, the rule is to make vaccines after seeing the number of infections. If the virus starts spreading over a wide area, then scientists jump into the work of making medicines and vaccines.
Antivirals do not always work.
‘HMPV virus infection resolves itself. It is not always the case that giving antiviral drugs will work. These drugs do not work against all types of viruses. They are effective only against certain strong viruses. Usually, such virus infections resolve themselves.’
However, officials in the country have denied information that hospitals in China are becoming crowded due to HMPV infection.
Is HMPV a new virus?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that this virus was first identified in 2001.
But experts say that this virus may have existed in the world for many centuries.
Health experts say that there is nothing to worry about right now.
Because neither the Chinese government nor the World Health Organization (WHO) has yet issued an official warning.
Experts have not given any warning about whether this virus will become dangerous.
However, they have advised being careful to avoid the disease.
When infected with HMPV, symptoms similar to a common fever or flu appear.
Along with this, there may be a cough, fever, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing. Along with this, a rash or rash may appear on the skin.
However, for some, these symptoms can become serious.
The CDC says that people of any age can get sick with this virus, such as with bronchitis or pneumonia.
But so far, it has been seen more often in children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
It takes three to six days for symptoms to appear after infection.
But how long a person will suffer from the infection depends on the severity of the infection and the physical ability of the infected person.
What to do now?
According to the doctor, the first thing to do now is to prevent infection. And for that, we need to bring back some habits like during the Covid period (HMPV Virus Prevention).
This virus is usually spread through sneezing and coughing. It can also spread even if you come in contact with an infected person. So, you should wash your hands regularly with hand sanitizer or soap. You should not touch your nose or mouth without washing your hands.
You should use a mask when you go outside. You should cover your face when sneezing and coughing.
If children have a cold, it is better not to send them to school for a few days. This can also cause other children to get sick.
If you have problems like high fever, shortness of breath, or severe cough, you should take them to the doctor immediately.
According to the doctor, the HMPV virus mainly spreads to the upper and lower respiratory tract (i.e., the upper and lower parts of the airways). But in some cases, this virus can also reach the lungs. So, if you have respiratory problems, it is better not to leave them alone.
Symptoms of HMPV virus infection
Sneezing, coughing, and sometimes fever (HMPV Virus Signs)
Sore throat, runny nose, runny nose
Respiratory problems
Problems like pneumonia, asthma
Pictures of HMPV virus around the world on Monday
After China, the virus has also spread to Hong Kong.
A rule has been issued in Kerala to wear masks.
This virus has also spread to Malaysia; guidelines have been issued by the government.
Strict surveillance has been started in Japan to prevent the spread of the disease.
So far, the World Health Organization has not issued any guidelines regarding this virus.
