China 8 cases of HMPV virus like Corona wreaking havoc in India have been reported. Among them, 6 cases were observed in children under one year of age, that is to say in infants. While in the other two cases, the ages of the children are 7 years and 13 years.
The symptoms of this respiratory illness are similar to those of the common cold or flu. However, in some cases its symptoms can also turn into bronchitis and pneumonia. Infants, young children, the elderly and people with weak immunity are most at risk.
With cases increasing in China, the Indian government has become vigilant on this issue. The Union Health Ministry has issued guidelines to states after reviewing the HMPV virus. They have been asked to increase surveillance of influenza and respiratory illnesses.
Therefore, today in “Sehatnama” we will know what danger children are exposed to due to HMPV virus. You will also learn that-
What symptoms should you watch out for in children? Can the HMPV virus be fatal? What precautions should parents take?
Expert:
Dr. RD Srivastava, Senior Consultant, Pediatrics, Neonatology, DelhiDr. Ankit Bansal, Consultant, Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Delhi
Newborns are more at risk
Neonatologist and pediatrician Dr RD Srivastava says that if we look at the figures from across the world, most cases of HMPV virus are found in children aged 4 to 6 months. Also in India, most cases have been seen in children under one year of age.
Cases are also reported in adults in China, but low immunity is the most important factor.
Don’t Ignore Flu Symptoms in Children
In case of infection with the HMPV virus, normal viral-like symptoms are observed. Therefore, if young children have a cold and fever, do not ignore it. Be sure to consult a doctor. If wheezing is heard in children’s breathing, this may be a sign of HMPV infection. Apart from this, see in the graph how other symptoms can appear:
don’t panic
Dr Ankit Bansal, consultant in internal medicine and infectious diseases, says that until it is clear that the HMPV virus has mutated and its new mutation is dangerous, there is no need to panic about of this virus. The Indian government also clarified during its review meeting that HMPV is not a new virus. It has been around in India and other countries for many years. So far, no very fatal situations have been observed because of this.
However, after media reports from China, many experts are speculating that a new mutant of HMPV is infecting people in that country. It’s more dangerous and more contagious than before. Despite this, there is nothing to worry about in India yet.
Respiratory illnesses increase as cold weather increases
According to a study published in the “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology”, more cases of respiratory infections are reported during the cold season than during other seasons. Therefore, do not panic about the common flu-like symptoms of HMPV. But it is also not okay to ignore it. Therefore, definitely consult a doctor once. It would be better to try to avoid this.
There is no medicine for the disease, prevention is the main mantra.
No antibiotics or antiviral drugs have yet been designed to combat the HMPV virus. No vaccine has been developed for it. In such a situation, prevention is the best way to fight this virus. If there is a small child in the house, we must be especially careful.
Like the Corona virus, the HMPV virus is also spread through contact with an infected person. It can also be spread by shaking hands with an infected person or touching anything infected with the virus. Therefore, like Corona, cleanliness and frequent hand washing are the main prevention measures for HMPV. Look at the graph.
Some common questions and answers related to the HMPV virus
Question: Can the HMPV virus be fatal to children?
Answer: Yes, the HMPV virus can be fatal. However, the truth is that this happens in very rare cases. The HMPV virus causes death in less than 1% of cases worldwide. So there is no need to be afraid.
Question: Do all children face serious problems from the HMPV virus?
Answer: No, this is not the case. The immunity of young children is not fully developed. This is why more and more cases of infection are being reported among them. Whereas complications only occur in children whose lungs are already weak. Apart from this, other infected children show symptoms such as cold.
Question: Is it necessary to give oxygen therapy to infected children?
Answer: No, only children who have developed pneumonia due to HMPV infection require oxygen therapy. However, there is currently no cause for concern in India. It is necessary to take more care of children whose immune systems are very weak.
Question: Besides young children, who else should be more careful?
Answer: Children under one year old and the elderly should be very careful about the HMPV virus. Indeed, the immunity of young children is not fully developed and that of the elderly weakens. They are therefore at higher risk of infection with the HMPV virus. ,
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