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HMPV In India: Everything you need to know

by Editor's Desk

Agnita Mohanty | Team TrickyScribe: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has gained immense spotlight due to its significant outbreak in China. This is the virus which has steered a major uproar in our country and worldwide. The virus mainly causes cold and flu like conditions ranging from mildly sick to extremely sick. The virus belongs to the Pneumoviridae family of viruses, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It was first identified in 2001 and has been prevalent since. While anyone can catch the virus, it is notable among infants and children under 5 years of age, older adults and those with health conditions like immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are at a higher risk. Therefore, care is needed to protect and prevent HMPV from attacking them.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO); It spreads like other common cold viruses do, through infectious respiratory particles that spread through the air from a sick person to others. This means a person can catch the virus when they are close to a sick person or sharing a closed space with them. It can also enter the body by touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs or handles and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Its symptoms usually consist of cough, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache and headache.

In extreme cases it causes infection of the lung resulting in a condition called pneumonia or inflammation of the airways to the lungs resulting in bronchiolitis or bronchitis. In more severe cases the patient may suffer from wheezing, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue, dehydration or a persistent fever that does not improve at all. In all these conditions immediate medical assistance in necessary.

Tests and Treatments that Can be Done?

It is not easy to differentiate between different respiratory illnesses since they all have similar symptoms such as a high temperature, runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion and stuffy nose. Moreover, WHO asserts that since viruses can evolve, their severity may change. Diseases like  COVID-19 and Influenza (flu) can be identified by using  RT- PCR or Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay test and therefore having specific antiviral treatment options. In case of HMPV, the most reliable way to diagnose is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, giving accurate results within a few hours.  However, doctors usually do not prescribe this test for flu like conditions as most cases are mild.

At, present, there is no approved antiviral HMPV medicine in the world. Most people get healed after a few days with over- the -counter medicines to treat pain, fever, stuffy nose and cough. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest is also necessary. However, in case the cold virus gets worse or if someone in at a higher risk even when there are no symptoms, they should immediately consult a doctor. In extreme cases, oxygen cylinders have to be provided to ailing patients to help them recover.

According to Economic Times, an HMPV RT-PCR test costs between Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 at labs like Dr Lal PathLabs, Tata 1mg Labs, and Max Healthcare Labs. Comprehensive tests which cover HMPV and other respiratory pathogens, may go up to Rs 20,000.

Some Dos and Don’ts

As part of precautionary measures of preventing hMPV infection which is similar to preventing other respiratory illnesses, some actions can be undertaken:

·       Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing

·       Wash hands properly with soap and water or a alcohol based sanitizer.

·       Avoid crowded places and stay at an arm’s length with persons suffering from flu.

·       Do not venture out in public if you are suffering from cold, cough & fever.

·       Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated

·       Have nutritious food and sleep well to build immunity.

·       Adequate ventilation with outdoor air to reduce transmission.

·       Stay at home and limit contact with others if sick.

·       Do not shake hands

·       Don’t reuse tissue paper or use handkerchiefs without washing.

·       Avoid contact with sick people.

·       Avoid frequent touching of eyes, nose and mouth or spitting in public places

·       Avoid self – medication in extreme cases.

·       Monitoring closely patients and keeping oxygen cylinders handy.

HMPV Cases in Indian scenario

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, direct contact with infected individuals, and touching contaminated surfaces. The virus is more common during the winter and early spring months.

Media reported a potential rise in respiratory illnesses following detection of two HMPV cases in Karnataka. In a directive labelled “Most Urgent,” Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj directed the health and family welfare department to closely monitor the situation and maintain regular communication with the Union health ministry for timely updates. Also, urged hospitals under Delhi government to be fully equipped to handle a potential surge in cases of HMPV. 

Will there be another lockdown?

Growing concerns of another lockdown like scenario during Covid-19, over reported cases of HMPV are now spreading gradually across the country.  Although the government has assured that there is no need to panic as the cases are not linked to China and that it has taken proper steps to monitor the situation and aware the public just in case, due to the forthcoming Kumbh Mela where more than 100,000 devotees from all over India will be flocking to the holy grounds of Prayagraj.

However, the escalating apprehension is that for the school going children who are at a greater risk of a potential largescale outbreak. Since most schools are now either on a winter break or are having online classes due to cold waves in the northern states; there seems to be a pause in the alarm for now. Although the State Governments seem to be better prepared; it will be wiser considering the safe option of social distancing in schools with a closing down of the offline classes while going on a fully online mode soon.

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