What is the HMPV virus? A simple cold or a dangerous virus!

Table of contents

• What is HMPV virus?
• Symptoms of HMPV virus in adults and children
• Symptoms of HMPV virus
• When to see a doctor
• Causes of HMPV infection
  • Ri virus HMPV
    • Ri infection
  • How to recognize HMPV virus
  • HMPV virus treatment
    • Do you need antibiotics to treat HMPV?
    • How to treat the virus at home HMPV
  • How to prevent HMPV virus
  • The final word
  • Frequently asked questions

    What is the HMPV virus?

    Human metapneumovirus or HMPV virus most often causes an infection of the upper respiratory tract (throat, mouth, and nose). But sometimes it can also affect the lower respiratory tract (airways and lungs) and lead to pneumonia (pneumonia) or worsening breathing problems. It affects most children under five in winter and early spring. It can also affect people with a weak immune system.

    HMPV prevalence statistics in children show that approximately 10-12% of childhood respiratory illnesses are caused by this virus. In most cases, this virus causes mild symptoms.. But 5 to 16% of children may get a lower respiratory tract infection.

    Learn more: Viral Sore Throat

    HMPV virus symptoms in adults and children

    Symptoms of human metapneumovirus are:

    • Cough
    • Running or stuffy nose
    • Sore throat
    • Skin rash

    If the virus leads to a lower respiratory tract infection, the patient may experience more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and fever.

    Learn more: Corona vaccine

    Effects of HMPV virus

    Sometimes the HMPV virus causes complications... These complications may be serious and require hospitalization... Important complications include:

    • Bronchiolitis
    • Bronchitis
    • Pneumonia
    • exacerbation of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • Middle ear infection (otitis media)

    Learn more: How dangerous is fever?

    Time to see a doctor

    Call your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

    • You have an underlying problem that puts you at risk of developing a serious illness.
    • Your symptoms have not improved after several days or you have had a fever for more than three days.

    Also, go to the emergency room immediately if you experience the following problems:

    • High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius)
    • breathing problems
    • Blue skin, lips or nails (cyanosis)
    • Worsening of other diseases that you suffer from

    Reasons of contracting HMPV

    The HMPV virus is usually transmitted to others as a result of direct contact with a person who has the virus or touching infected objects.. The most common ways of contracting this virus are:

    • Cough and sneeze
    • Shaking hands, hugging or kissing
    • Touching phones, doorknobs, computer keyboards, toys or other contaminated objects and surfaces

    Learn more: New children's virus

    HMPV risk factors

    Anyone can be infected with this virus... But the following people are more at risk than others:

    • Children under five years old (especially premature babies)
    • people over 65
    • Those who have a weak immune system due to illness (HIV, cancer and autoimmune disorders) or drug use
    • People with asthma or COPD

    Learn more: Corona virus

    HMPV virus detection method

    To diagnose the HMPV virus, your doctor will review your symptoms and health history.. He may also take a sample from your nose or throat using a swab and send it to a laboratory.. This will only be done if you have serious symptoms.

    In addition, the doctor sometimes recommends a bronchoscopy or chest X-ray to check for changes in the airways of the lungs.

    Learn more: The fastest way to cure the flu

    HMPV virus treatment

    Most people can easily manage the symptoms of this disease at home... However, if you are very sick, you may need to be hospitalized.... A doctor will monitor your condition in the hospital and prevent your symptoms from getting worse...

    • Oxygen therapy: If you have trouble breathing, your doctor will give you extra oxygen through a tube or mask.
    • Serum injection: Fluids injected directly into a vein can keep the body hydrated.
    • Corticosteroids: If you need medication for HMPV, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids... This medication will reduce inflammation and reduce some of the symptoms.

    Are antibiotics needed to treat HMPV?

    Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.... Since HMPV is a virus, antibiotics cannot kill it.... But sometimes people who get infected with this virus also get a bacterial infection at the same time (secondary infection).... In this situation, the doctor uses antibiotics to treat the secondary infection.

    Know more: Symptoms of dengue fever

    HMPV virus home treatment method

    Observing the following tips will help you get rid of this virus faster:

    • Drinking a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration
    • Using over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants to relieve symptoms
    • Never give medicine to your child without consulting a pediatrician... because medicines that are suitable for adults may be dangerous for children.

    How to prevent HMPV virus

    Since there is a possibility of the HMPV virus entering Iran, it is necessary to observe the following points to prevent the spread of the disease:

    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water: If you cannot use soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
    • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze: Use a clean tissue or your elbow for this.
    • Avoid sick people: Avoid close contact with sick people.
    • Using a mask: If you are sick and cannot stay away from others, wear a mask.
    • Avoid touching the face: Avoid touching the face, eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Not using shared dishes: Do not share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons and glasses) with others.
    • Adequate sleep: Try to get enough sleep at night... This will help strengthen the immune system.

    Learn more: New strain of corona

    Endword

    HMPV is a type of virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms.... In most cases, the disease is cured within a few days with the help of home remedies.... But sometimes it may cause serious complications.

    If you are concerned about HMPV, talk to a pediatrician, an internist, or an infectious disease doctor. For this, you can visit the website GCORP LLC and consult with the best specialist doctors, including an online infectious disease doctor, or use the online appointment system of an infectious disease specialist. Consult internally online or make an appointment with the specialist you want through the online appointment system to see the internal specialist in person.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do symptoms of HMPV last?

    If the illness is mild, you will get better within a week at most... in other cases, it may take longer to feel better.

    Who is at risk for complications from HMPV?

    Those children with weakened immune systems, people with weakened immune systems, People with HMPV are more likely to be older. Illness or lung disease causes more severe complications.

    Which medicine is suitable for treating HMPV?

    There is no antiviral medicine to kill HMPV. Sometimes doctors use corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation and antibiotics to treat secondary infections.

    .

    Sources: my.clevelandclinic, medicalnewstoday

    Was this article helpful to you?

    4 / 5... Number of votes 41

    No score has been registered yet