The growth of lung diseases in China has drawn global attention. Chinese health officials are investigating if HMPV is behind the spike in hospitalisations. Other reports suggest influenza A may be the leading cause of the case surge, even though Chinese officials haven’t confirmed it. Despite the virus’s silence in the US, this has raised awareness.
Young, aged, or immunocompromised people are more susceptible to HMPV-related respiratory diseases. These ailments might be mild or severe. Coughing, fevers, stuffy noses, and breathlessness are frequent symptoms. When severe, the virus can cause asthma or pneumonia, especially in weak persons. This respiratory virus spreads in winter and spring, like RSV and flu, and lasts nearly as long.
Despite rising cases in China and global concerns, experts say HMPV is not a significant issue. The CDC reports that less than 2% of US lung virus tests are positive for HMPV. Flu accounts for over 19% of the cases, and COVID-19 accounts for approximately 7%. An illness is frequent if it causes more than 10% of positive tests for two weeks. HMPV’s low numbers suggest it has less impact than other viruses.
Touching a virus-infested surface or being near an infected person distributes the infection. Wash your hands often, avoid ill individuals, and take care of your lung health to prevent disease spread. Experts warn that sick people should wear masks in public or busy settings to protect others, especially those who are more susceptible to getting sick.
The lack of a vaccination emphasises public health awareness. However, specialists like Children’s Medical Centre Plano infection control chief Dr Carla Garcia Carreno say a pandemic or widespread outbreak is unlikely. She adds that HMPV is not new or quickly disseminated like COVID-19, but it can make people sick. Researchers and public health officials monitor this and other lung ailments during peak seasons to ensure proper treatment.
