India So far, 9 cases of HMPV virus have been reported in India. According to media reports, cases have increased so much in China that hospitals are running out of beds. Fear about this is increasing around the world.
However, before we move forward, let us say that as of now, there is nothing to fear from this virus. Like any sane and aware person, you just have to be careful.
In most cases reported in India, the age of the children is less than 1 year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk from the HMPV virus. However, we need to think beyond that.
The symptoms of HMPV infection match those of the corona virus. The resulting complications are more or less similar to those caused by the Corona virus. In case of severe infection with the HMPV virus, there is a risk of developing pneumonia and bronchitis.
The Corona virus caused the most damage to people whose lungs were already weak. People suffering from asthma, diabetes or hypertension. This is exactly the same thing that happens in the case of the HMPV virus.
Therefore, today in “Sehatnama” we will know which people are most exposed to the HMPV virus. You will also learn that-
Who can have complications because of this? What precautions should they take?
Expert: Dr Ankit Patel, General Practitioner, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur
Children and the elderly are more at risk
Young children and the elderly are most at risk from the HMPV virus. In reality, young children’s immune systems are not fully developed. Whereas from the age of 60, the immune system begins to weaken. Therefore, they are at higher risk of infection with HMPV or any other pathogen than others.
Viral infections and respiratory illnesses are caused by the HMPV virus. Therefore, people whose lungs are already weak face more complications.
Who is at risk from the HMPV virus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some people around the world are constantly vulnerable. Even small illnesses can cause serious damage to them. It is entirely possible that because of the HMPV virus, most people will experience normal flu symptoms, while for vulnerable people it is nothing short of a disaster.
Physician Dr. Ankit Patel says this if someone has diabetes or severe hypertension. They must take medication daily to control these conditions, so infection with the HMPV virus can worsen their health condition.
Which people may have more complications?
Dr. Ankit Patel says that if a person already has a chronic health problem, then they may have serious health problems from the HMPV virus. Now, because the lungs and respiratory system are most affected by the HMPV virus, people who smoke or have chronic lung diseases like asthma may suffer more damage. The main reason is that these people’s lungs are already weak.
It’s exactly the same thing: if an earthquake occurs, the weakest building suffers the most damage. Apart from this, who else can get serious health problems from HMPV virus, see the chart:
How to prepare to fight the HMPV virus?
If we want to reduce the risk of contracting the HMPV virus, we will first need to make the necessary lifestyle changes. If you smoke, stop immediately. If you are overweight, try to reduce it. First of all, try to reduce the fat accumulated around the waist.
Take 7-8 hours of deep sleep every day. This will help reduce stress and also contribute to healing of all organs. Apart from this, you can practice yoga or meditation to manage stress. During this period, continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet. This will prepare the body to fight the virus. This means that the immune system will recover to some extent.
Also take the necessary measures to avoid any viral infection. To do this, pay attention to hygiene and continue to wash your hands frequently with soap. Apart from this, what other precautions should be taken, see in the chart:
Some common questions and answers related to HMPV
Question: In how many days is HMPV virus infection cured?
Answer: Most healthy people usually recover within 7 to 10 days. However, in severe cases, people may take longer to recover and may need to be hospitalized. People with low immunity, smokers and people with chronic lung disease are at greater risk. Apart from this, people suffering from severe diabetes and hypertension may also have serious health problems.
Question: Will this infection be cured by taking antibiotics?
Answer: No, no antibiotics work against HMPV because it is not a bacteria. However, no antiviral drugs have been prepared to combat it. No vaccine has yet been developed against the HMPV virus.
Question: Can HMPV virus infection be cured by staying at home?
Answer: Yes, it can only be cured by staying at home. If a person experiences cold-like symptoms after HMPV infection, he or she can be cured by consulting a doctor and taking necessary medications while staying at home. During this period, do not take any medications yourself.
Healing an HMPV infection can be done at home. Despite this, you must isolate yourself. Until you recover, you should avoid going to crowded places and wear a mask when talking to anyone. Indeed, the infected person can cause the virus to spread. If people with weak immunity fall under its influence, they may have to face serious health problems.
Question: Is HMPV a seasonal disease?
Answer: Yes, we can say that. Typically, like other respiratory infections, this virus spreads rapidly each winter and returns to cold storage at the end of winter. However, this time, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expressed concern that this virus may remain effective throughout the year. ……………………………. Also is going viral on social media that HMPV is wreaking so much havoc in China that there is a shortage of beds for patients. …
2. Health note – Why are young children more exposed to HMPV? : Doctors say don’t panic, if you have young children at home, take these 10 precautions
11 cases of HMPV virus like Corona which is wreaking havoc in China have been reported in India. Among them, 6 cases were observed in children under one year of age, that is to say in infants. …