There is a need for collective vigilance and taking preventive measures at individual level, said president, IMA, Hyderabad, Banjara Hills, Dr Prabhu Kumar Challagali.
ICMR clarified that, according to current data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no significant increase in cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) across the country.
Doctors in Hyderabad have observed a noticeable increase in viral fevers and chest infections over the past two weeks. Fortunately, all patients are recovering as expected. Medical professionals advise the public to follow essential winter precautions to stay healthy during this surge in respiratory illnesses.
HMPV is not an unknown virus; it occurs annually from July/August to December/January. In most cases, it leads to symptoms like cough, cold, and fever, but in some rare instances, it can result in severe illness requiring hospitalization, including oxygen support and ventilation. There is no specific antiviral treatment, and management is entirely symptomatic.
HMPV, an airborne virus causing respiratory symptoms, has been spreading globally under heightened surveillance. Its symptoms, including fever, cough, and nasal congestion, are similar to those of COVID-19 and are typically mild. However, it poses a significant threat to infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
HMPV infections are not uncommon, with doctors in Hyderabad noting that they frequently encounter patients with similar symptoms. However, there is a possibility that the recent increase in HMPV cases in China could be linked to mutations, although these have not yet been identified through genetic testing of the HMPV variant in China.
