Eight cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus have been reported in India. People’s concern has increased amid continuous new cases. Meanwhile, HMPV virus is also being compared to Covid, but is this virus really the same as Covid?
8 cases of HMPV reported
Cases of HMPV virus are increasing in China. Meanwhile, this virus is also spreading in India. 8 cases of HMPV have been reported in the country. Due to continuous cases, people’s concern has also increased. This virus is being compared to Covid. Some reports say that HMPV is as dangerous as Corona, but is it really so?
Most of the symptoms of both Covid and HMPV are similar
HMPV and corona are both viruses that cause respiratory problems. HMPV is an RNA virus of the Pneumoviridae family of viruses. Most of its symptoms are similar to those of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is a common virus occurring in India. Its cases are coming every year. Talking about Covid, this virus belongs to the Corona virus family. However, most of the symptoms of both viruses are similar. The way they spread is also almost the same. The virus spreads through contact with infected people, touching infected surfaces, and airborne droplets. The methods of prevention are the same, social distancing, mask and washing hands are also necessary to avoid HMPV. But was HMPV as dangerous as Covid?
What does AIIMS research say?
Research conducted by Delhi AIIMS shows that HMPV is not a new virus. Its cases keep coming to light in India before also. A study conducted at Delhi AIIMS last year revealed that 5 per cent of total cases of respiratory infections were due to the HMPV virus. That means this virus was in India last year also. This information has come to light in a study conducted on 700 patients in AIIMS. The research also said that the death rate from this virus is negligible. Most patients recover within a few days. Only people and children who already have a serious illness or who have a weakened immune system are at greater risk.
Will HMPV create Corona like situations?
The Union Health Minister says that there is no need to panic about HMPV, most of the patients infected with this virus have mild symptoms. Cough, cold or mild fever. The virus lives mostly in the upper respiratory tract and is less likely to enter the lungs, with most cases occurring in children, but it does not cause serious symptoms. There is less chance of having difficulty breathing or pneumonia. This happens only when the child’s immune system is very weak, when the corona virus enters the lungs and due to this there is a lack of oxygen in the body, but there is no possibility of this happening in HMPV virus.
What are the doctors saying?
According to doctors, HMPV is a common infection and people do not need to panic. This virus is not as dangerous as Covid and is not likely to cause severe symptoms like Covid.
What are the symptoms of HMPV?
cough
Fever
runny nose
throat
respiratory distress
How to protect yourself from HMPV?
eat food after washing hands
Do not come in contact with any infected person
Get tested in case of cough, cold and fever
Pay special attention to children
