<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img src="/nairobi/PublishingImages/free%20covid%2019%20test%20body%20image.jpg" alt="" style="margin: 5px;"/> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, but can increase risks or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.</span></p><p><strong style="font-family: helvetica;">Where is HMPV being reported at the moment and how is the spread so far?</strong></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">HMPV is reported regularly by the Aga Khan University Hospital lab, being one of the respiratory viruses in circulation.</span></p><p><strong style="font-family: helvetica;">Who is most at risk of HMPV virus?</strong></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is a very common virus and nearly everyone has had it at least once by the age of five. Older children and adults may also become infected and as for many respiratory viruses, transmission occurs easily within families.
</span></p><p><strong style="font-family: helvetica;">Is human metapneumovirus just a cold?</strong></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. You&#39;re more likely to get severely sick the first time you get HMPV, which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness. You get some protection (immunity) from your first infection and then are more likely to have mild, cold-like symptoms if you get another HMPV infection. Adults over 65 and people with breathing problems or a weakened immune system may also get severe symptoms.
</span></p><p><strong style="font-family: helvetica;">What symptoms accompany human metapneumovirus?</strong></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Common symptoms most children and people present with include cough, fever, running nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath (dyspnea) and/or rashes.
</span></p><p><strong style="font-family: helvetica;">How does HMPV spread?</strong></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Human metapneumovirus is most spread from an infected person to others through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
</span></p><p><strong style="font-family: helvetica;">How is human metapneumovirus diagnosed?</strong></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Just like COVID-19, healthcare providers usually diagnose HMPV by obtaining a swab sample from your nose or throat. The lab tests the sample for viruses and other infections.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sometimes, your healthcare provider may also do a bronchoscopy or chest X-rays to look for changes in the airways of your lungs.
</span></p><p><strong style="font-family: helvetica;">How is human metapneumovirus treated?</strong></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There aren&#39;t any antiviral medications that treat human metapneumovirus. Most people can manage their symptoms at home until they feel better.
</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you or your child are severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. There, healthcare providers will monitor your condition and help prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Treatment may include IV fluids and oxygen therapy.
</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong>How can I protect myself from contracting the virus?</strong>
</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You can protect yourself by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Patients who have cold-like symptoms should cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing wash their hands frequently and correctly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds) avoid sharing their cups and eating utensils with others refrain from kissing others stay at home when they are sick.
</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><em><strong>By Professor Rodney Adam, Chair, Infection Control and Consultant Pathologist at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi</strong></em>
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