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As China experiences a surge in respiratory infections this winter, a little-known virus is getting a lot of attention — and some people may be worried whether the rise in cases will be felt more widely around the world.
Also known as human metapneumovirus H.M.P.VIt can cause diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract in people of all ages, and Information from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Last week's release shows the country has seen more cases in recent weeks.
But HMPV is typically distributed in the Northern Hemisphere during winter.And data from China's CDC shows an increase in several other common respiratory infections, including seasonal flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
“Reported respiratory infections in China are at normal levels. That's what we expect to see for the winter,” said Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organization He said at a news briefing. Tuesday.
To calm concerns, she said hospital utilization in China was lower than last year and that there were no emergency declarations or emergency responses in the country related to these respiratory illnesses.
“As far as human metapneumovirus is concerned, it's not a new virus,” Harris said. It was first recognized in 2001. It has existed in mankind for a long time. It is a common virus that spreads in winter and spring.
In the United States, the CDC tracks HMPV cases in the same way as other respiratory viruses. It is supposed to be about. 10% to 12% of respiratory diseases in children They are caused by HMPV; Most people They get HMPV at some point 5 years before they dieAnd then later in life, re-infection can occur.
Data show that HMPV cases began to appear in abundance in November and have been on the rise since then.. However, compared to other common viruses, the weekly percentage of respiratory infections testing positive for HMPV was low, at 1.94% as of December 28, compared to 18.71% for the flu and 7.10% for Covid-19 that week. has been.
“It's respiratory virus season. “We're used to thinking about people who have had the worst – so Covid, as well as the flu and RSV – but there are many other respiratory viruses that can make you sick,” said executive director Janet Hamilton. Director of the Council of State and Regional Epidemiologists.
When it comes to common respiratory infections like HMPV, “most of the time, they get better on their own, but not always,” Hamilton said.
“Typically, infections are relatively mild and we often think of them as the flu,” she added. “A lot of people don't know that it's caused by human metapneumovirus when they have the common cold, but it's definitely one of the viruses associated with the flu.”
Some of them Symptoms associated with HMPV Infections include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
HMPV is spread from person to person, like other respiratory viruses, by droplets from coughing or sneezing and by contact, such as shaking hands or touching infected surfaces.
“Simple measures can prevent the spread. These include, if you are sick, if you have symptoms, stay home,” Harris said.
“Also, if you're in crowded or poorly covered areas, when you know there's a virus at the moment, think about wearing a mask. Improve ventilation where you can,” she said. “And of course cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.”
Some people are more likely to develop serious infections with HMPV, Harris said.
“In some cases, like any common cold virus, it can lead to severe disease in people who are immunocompromised or have very weak immune systems,” she said. “He's too young. That's newborn babies – that's why you don't visit a newborn and kiss them when they have a cold – and the very old. Again, this is why you shouldn't visit your 90-year-old grandmother in the hospital when you have the flu.
Health care providers can Test for HMPVBut there is no vaccine, and there is no specific antiviral treatment to treat infections. Resting and staying hydrated at home can help with symptoms, as well as some over-the-counter medications.
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Mild cases of HMPV last a few days to a week, and most people recover on their own within two to five days.
“They happen in the same way as flu, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, so the same advice applies to people who are affected – rest, stay hydrated, try not to spread it to others,” said John Tregoning, professor of immunology at Imperial College London. he said in a statement. It was broadcast on Monday by the Science Media Center in the UK.
“If you feel really bad, go to your GP,” he said. “As it is a virus, antibiotics have no effect.”