This winter, everyone's attention was focused on viruses like influenza and RSV, but Americans may have neglected another important pathogen: human metapneumovirus, or hMPV.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in hMPV cases across the country this winter and spring, which experts say is due in part to the public's increased ability to test for different viruses.
"There's a lot more emphasis on figuring out what's causing (infections) than we've ever had," Dr. Rick Malley, an infectious disease expert at Boston Children's Hospital, said.
He attributed the increased awareness to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"The significance of other viruses and the diseases they cause has risen to the surface, and I believe you're hearing more about this virus," he continued.
Here's all you need to know about the undetected respiratory virus this season, including symptoms, transmission, and treatment.
Human Metapneumovirus
What exactly is human metapneumovirus, also known as hMPV?
Human metapneumovirus, or hMPV, is a respiratory infection that affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, according to the CDC. While it can affect people of all ages, the CDC reports that tiny children, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
HMPV was discovered in 2001 and is a member of the Pneumoviridae family, which also contains respiratory syncytial virus.
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Is the human metapneumovirus just a cold? What are the signs and symptoms of hMPV?
According to the American Lung Association, those infected with hMPV often have mild symptoms akin to a cold. Symptoms persist two to five days and normally go away on their own in healthy people.
According to the CDC, frequent symptoms include Cough, fever, and nasal congestion,
Breathing difficulty
Young children, the elderly, and people with low immune systems are more likely to develop more severe illness, which can cause wheezing, trouble breathing, and asthma flare-ups.
According to the American Lung Association, secondary infections such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia can arise and may necessitate medical care.
How is human metapneumovirus spread?
Like most respiratory viruses, hMPV is frequently spread from person to person via:
1)Contact with an infected individual
2)Sneezing and coughing
3)Contact with virus-infected materials
The virus, like the flu, RSV, and cold viruses, is more likely to spread throughout the winter and spring months, according to the CDC.
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Is antibiotic treatment essential for human metapneumovirus?
There is no antiviral treatment or vaccine available to cure or prevent hMPV, according to the CDC.
Because hMPV symptoms usually go away on their own, the American Lung Association suggests over-the-counter medications to alleviate pain, fever, and congestion. The American Lung Association recommends that those experiencing more severe symptoms, such as wheezing, seek medical assistance, where a doctor may prescribe a temporary inhaler and steroids.
Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections; they do not treat viral infections. According to Malley, hMPV is linked to an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia, which is typically treated with antibiotics.
"This virus is probably a very important co-conspirator in causing pneumonia, specifically pneumococcal pneumonia," he says. "Just because you've discovered a virus in someone does not rule out the possibility of a bacteria hiding nearby."
The Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare has aided in the coverage of health and patient safety by USA TODAY. The Masimo Foundation makes no editorial contributions.
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