What Is HMPV? Learn the Symptoms and How to Prevent It!

Has been reviewed and approved by dr. Catherine Josephine

After the outbreak of COVID-19 cases that occurred in 2019, now there is widespread news about a new disease emerging in China. Its name is a virus HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus). According to news circulating on National TV and social media, this disease has reportedly been discovered in Indonesia.

Unlike COVID-19, the HMPV virus itself has been around since 2001 and has circulated throughout the world, including Indonesia. So, what is meant by HMPV and what are the symptoms like? you can immediately check the complete explanation in this article!

Getting to know HMPV

HMPV or Human Metapneumovirus is a virus that can cause respiratory tract infections. This virus belongs to the family paramyxoviridae which includes viruses that cause diseases such as parainfluenza and measles. The HMPV virus was first discovered by Dutch scientists in 2001.

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Where, this virus was identified from nose and throat aspirate samples of children suffering from respiratory tract infections. Infection from this virus can attack anyone of all ages. However, the people most susceptible to experiencing the condition are the elderly, small children, babies and those with weak immune systems.

When Premier Friends are attacked by this virus, they will usually feel the flu as usual. However, more serious conditions can result in other diseases such as exacerbation of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), pneumonia and bronchitis.

Causes of HMPV

Not much different from the common cold, a virus HMPV can be transmitted through respiratory droplets of infected people. Where, the infection spreads when the person talks, sneezes or coughs. Apart from that, this virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Viruses similar to Avian Metapneumovirus (a type of virus that often attacks poultry) usually occur in winter or early spring in temperate climates, including Indonesia.

Symptoms of HMPV Virus

The symptoms that Premier Friends experience when suffering from this virus may vary, depending on how severe the condition they are experiencing. The symptoms are mild and severe, including:

Mild symptoms

• Cough
• Mild fever
• Sore throat
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Fatigue even to the point of weakness

Severe symptoms

• Crowded breath
• Decreased oxygen saturation
• Lung infection (pneumonia)
• Wheezing sound when breathing (wheezing)
• Inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchiolitis)

Usually, symptoms of the HMPV virus appear 3-6 days after Premier Friends are exposed to the virus. However, healing from the disease itself can take approximately 1-2 weeks after suffering from it.

How to Prevent HMPV

To help prevent transmission of the virus HMPV, there are several ways that can be done, namely:

• Before eating or after going to the bathroom, wash your hands using soap and water for approximately 20 seconds.
• If someone is sick or has a fever, you can keep a safe distance so they don't catch the disease.
• During the infection season, it is best to wear a mask in public places to avoid airborne transmission.
• Routinely clean objects that are frequently touched such as tables, doorknobs, cellphones, laptops, and so on.
• To reduce risk transmission from hands to the respiratory tract, so it is better not to touch your face.
• Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough sleep to boost your immune system.

That's a brief explanation of the HMPV virus. There is no specific treatment for the condition and treatment is carried out to relieve symptoms and speed up the recovery process. Where, in mild cases, the infection can disappear by itself within 2-5 days after the initial symptoms. 

Apart from that, to relieve symptoms, you can take pain relievers such as paracetamol. Meanwhile, in more serious cases, such as complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis, the patient is usually asked to be hospitalized. 

If you need incentive treatment, you can go directly to Premier Jatinegara Hospital or rather to part Respiratory Lungs. With an experienced team of doctors, the recovery process can be well-supported. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Sahabat Premier!

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