Recently, a patient’s death has raised concerns about the HMPV virus. However, it’s important to note that the death wasn’t directly caused by the virus but was due to multiple pre-existing health conditions. Still, experts are urging people, especially those with ongoing health issues, to be extra cautious. The six groups most at risk are individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, and cancer.
This advice was shared during a seminar at Bangladesh Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on January 16. While HMPV isn’t usually fatal on its own, it can lead to more serious complications for people already managing chronic conditions. However, with the right treatment, enough hydration, and proper nutrition, most people can recover without major issues.
HMPV primarily affects the respiratory system, spreading through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While it’s not typically life-threatening, the virus can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, skin rashes, and sometimes trouble breathing. Individuals with chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, COPD, asthma, or cancer should be particularly cautious.
Experts have emphasized that while HMPV isn’t typically considered highly dangerous, it poses a greater risk to those with chronic health conditions. For most healthy individuals, the virus causes mild symptoms that resolve with rest. However, for those managing ongoing health issues, the virus can exacerbate existing conditions, leading to serious complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure. In extreme cases, this could result in hospitalization or death.
Experts recommend a few simple precautions to help stop the spread of HMPV: wash your hands often, wear a mask in public spaces, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, keep a safe distance from sick individuals, and try to avoid crowded places. The virus tends to spread more during colder months, so it’s especially important to stay vigilant during winter and spring.
Although the virus has been detected in countries like China, Japan, Malaysia, and India, experts are reassuring the public that there’s no need for panic. By taking the same precautions we used for COVID-19, we can keep the spread of HMPV in check. In China, patients with HMPV are being treated with regular medications, as there’s no specific treatment yet.
In conclusion, while there’s no need to fear HMPV, it’s crucial for those in high-risk groups to stay alert, follow simple hygiene practices, and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and those around them.
Source: Rtv News
