A lung virus that could cause a global pandemic: symptoms and treatment methods

Warnings are being issued about the spread of the HMPV virus, which brings to mind fears of a new global pandemic that threatens health and brings life to a halt similar to the Covid pandemic 5 years ago.

The truth is that this virus that infects the respiratory system is not a new type of virus, but it was discovered in 2001. There are some scientific opinions that the infection with the virus began in the middle of the last century, but it was not detected before the beginning of the last millennium.

The name of the virus is derived from the first letters of the English word "Human Metapneumovirus", which clearly indicates its effect on the respiratory system. It is scientifically called "Human Metapneumovirus" (HMPV).

A well-known virus that affects 10% of children at all times.

Contrary to popular belief, the disease was not rare and suddenly became widespread. In fact, approximately 7 to 10 percent of children contract it before they reach the age of five, but it is treated as if it were a common cold.

Despite the simplicity of the disease, the infection is very severe in some people, especially those who suffer from chronic chest diseases such as bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and they develop bronchiolitis and acute pneumonia.

Symptoms and transmission of the virus

Symptoms are usually upper respiratory, and are similar to colds, such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Wheezing can be heard, and a slight increase in temperature and sore throat are noted. Most cases are mild and do not last more than a week.

However, young children (under 6 months), adults over 65 years of age, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop complications and have the disease spread to the lower respiratory tract.

Like most respiratory viruses, HMPV is spread through inhalation of air contaminated with the virus, either directly when exposed to droplets from an infected person through coughing, sneezing, or kissing, or indirectly through shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces and objects such as phones, doorknobs, or elevator keyboards.

Ways to prevent infection

These are the same methods that were followed in the "Covid" pandemic, and respiratory diseases in general, such as avoiding crowds and gatherings, avoiding proximity to or touching infected people, wearing a mask for those most at risk of infection, and washing hands well and constantly with soap and water. It is preferable not to eat food unless it is well cooked, and to eat healthy food and vitamins that will boost immunity such as vitamin C and zinc.

People with the disease should take care of the safety of others according to the instructions of the World Health Organization (WHO) to stay at home for those with a cold, cover the mouth when coughing, and avoid touching others.

In addition to infants and the elderly, individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, or diseases that weaken immunity such as those with various tumors and those taking immunosuppressive therapy due to immune diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis is mostly based on the medical history and clinical symptoms that give a good picture of the severity of the disease. If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, a chest x-ray or a swab from the nose or throat can be taken and analyzed in the laboratory to detect the virus.

It is mainly directed to symptoms such as treating fever, drinking fluids in general continuously to prevent dehydration and warm fluids in case of sore throat. Simple painkillers such as "paracetamol" can be used in case of pain, and in severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing or inability to breathe easily, you must go to the hospital.

So far, there is no data from medical organizations in China or the World Health Organization indicating that there has been a mass outbreak of the disease or deaths in an epidemic.

Source: Middle East