So far 9 cases of HMPV virus have been reported in India. According to media reports, cases in China have increased so much that hospitals are running out of beds. There is growing fear all over the world about this. However, before proceeding, let us tell you that there is nothing to fear from this virus at present. Like any sane and aware person, one just needs to be cautious.
Most of the cases reported in India are children under 1 year of age. 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 this.
The symptoms of HMPV infection match those of corona virus. The complications caused by this are similar to the complications caused by the corona virus. With severe infection with HMPV virus, there is a risk of developing pneumonia and bronchitis.
The corona virus did the most damage to people whose lungs were already weak. People who were suffering from asthma, diabetes or hypertension. This is exactly what is happening in the case of the HMPV virus.
So, today' Health water In ' we will know which people are more at risk from HMPV virus. You will also learn that-
- How many people can this virus prove to be terrifying?
- What precautions should they take?
Expert: Dr. Ankit Patel, General Physician, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur
Children and the elderly are at greater risk Young children and the elderly are most at risk from the HMPV virus. The immune system of young children is not fully developed. When the age is over 60, the immune system begins to weaken. Therefore, they are more at risk of infection by HMPV virus or any other pathogen than others.
Viral infection and respiratory illness caused by HMPV virus. Therefore, people who already have weak lungs are facing more difficulties.
Who is at risk from HMPV virus? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some people around the world are always vulnerable. Even minor illnesses can harm them greatly. It is quite possible that due to the HMPV virus, most people will experience normal flu-like symptoms, while for susceptible people, it will be nothing short of a disaster.
Physician Dr. Ankit Patel says that if someone has a serious illness of diabetes or hypertension. Since they have to take medication daily to control these conditions, HMPV virus infection can worsen the health condition.
How many people can this virus prove to be terrifying? Dr. Ankit Patel says that if a person is already suffering from a chronic health condition, they can develop serious health problems due to the HMPV virus. Now, since the lungs and respiratory system are most affected by the HMPV virus, people who smoke or have chronic lung conditions such as asthma may suffer more. The main reason is that these people already have weak lungs.
It is exactly the same that if there is an earthquake, the weakest building suffers the most. Apart from this, HMPV virus can cause serious health problems in others, see graphic:
How to prepare yourself to fight the HMPV virus? If the risk of HMPV virus is to be reduced, the first step is to make necessary lifestyle changes. If you smoke, quit immediately. If you are overweight, try to lose it. First of all, try to reduce the fat accumulated around the waist.
Get 7-8 hours of deep sleep every day. This will help reduce stress and also help heal all the organs. Apart from this you can practice yoga or meditation for stress management. 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 necessary steps to avoid virus infection. For this, take care of hygiene and wash your hands frequently with soap. Apart from this, what other precautions need to be taken, see in the graphic:
Some common questions and answers related to HMPV
Question: How many days does HMPV virus infection get cured? Answer: Most healthy people usually recover within 7-10 days. However, in severe cases, people may take longer to recover and may need to be hospitalized. People with weakened immune systems, smokers and people with severe lung disease are at higher risk. Apart from this, people suffering from diabetes and hypertension can also develop 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 drug has been developed to combat it. No vaccine has yet been developed for the HMPV virus.
Q: Can HMPV infection be cured at home? Answer: Yes, it can be treated at home. If a person is experiencing common cold-like symptoms after HMPV infection, it can be cured by consulting a doctor and taking necessary medicines by staying at home. During this period, do not take medicines yourself.
Recovery from HMPV infection can be done at home. Despite this, one must distinguish oneself. Until you recover, you should avoid going to crowded places and wear a mask when talking to anyone. This is because an infected person can cause the virus to spread. If people with weak immune system come under its influence, they may face serious health problems.
Question: Is HMPV virus a seasonal disease? Answer: Yes, it can be said that. In general, like other respiratory infections, this virus spreads rapidly in the winter each year and goes back into cold storage with the end of winter. However, this time China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expressed apprehension that the virus may remain effective throughout the year.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
