HMPV: Symptoms, how it spreads and precautions you should take

Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy and vaccine to treat HMPV

Hyderabad: With Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases getting reported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), here are the symptoms, treatments and precautions that the general public have to follow.

Symptoms 
• Cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
• Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection could progress to bronchitis or pneumonia
• Most of the symptoms are similar to influenza, pneumonia that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.
• Time taken to develop (incubation period) symptoms are 3 to 6 days
• Illness duration may vary but average people recover in 3 to 5 five-days

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How it spreads
• When infected persons cough or sneeze
• Close personal contact, shaking hands and touching infected persons
• Touching objects/surfaces that have HMPV and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes
• HMPV circulation in India is between July/August and December/January

How to prevent
• Frequent washing of hands
• Avoid close contact with sick persons
• Patients with cold-like symptoms should cover mouth while sneezing and coughing
• Stay at home and take adequate risk

Testing and diagnosis
• There are adequate tests available in private diagnostic facilities to confirm HMPV
• A doctor must prescribe the test if needed

Any treatment available?
Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and no vaccine to prevent HMPV. Medical care is supportive.