Precautionary Measures Crucial To Stay Healthy, Safe Amid HMPV Outbreak: Dr. Tasaduk

Srinagar : Kashmir-based medico cum noted health columnist Dr Tasaduk Hussain Itoo on Wednesday said that precautionary measures are crucial to stay safe and healthy amid emergence of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak.
In a statement issued today, Dr Tasaduk said that HMPV is a contagious common respiratory virus that causes an upper respiratory infection (like a cold) and lower respiratory disease in patients of almost all ages; however, it is most common in young children (age 5 or younger) and the elderly (aged 65 or more) in whom it is more likely to develop into bronchiolitis, bronchitis or pneumonia. He said that HMPV is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to RSV and the flu. “Although a history of asthma, COPD, emphysema or any other lung disease does not make someone more likely to contract the illness, however presence of these lung diseases can make symptoms more severe”, he said. Adding that people with weakened immune systems, including patients undergoing chemotherapy or post organ transplant — are more prone to develop severe symptoms. “The symptoms may include — cough; runny nose or nasal congestion; sore throat, rashes and fever. However, in more severe cases, patients may experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, severe cough and asthma flare-ups — that need medical attention”, he said
He said that while HMPV mostly spreads through contact with contaminated people or surfaces or through droplet infection, the best way to protect from infection is to avoid touching infected people and surfaces and washing one’s hands often with soap and water or applying a sanitizer frequently. “If one thinks he is infected, he should keep others safe by covering their mouth during coughing or sneezing, adding that nutritious food and ensuring proper hydration are important in staying healthy”, he said. While HMPV commonly clears up on its own, treatment is mostly supportive and directed towards easing symptoms by using over-the-counter medications to control pain and fever, along with some decongestant. However he said that patients with more severe wheezing and coughing may require further treatment with an inhaler, which may include an inhaled corticosteroid or an oral medication or may need hospitalization. He further added that people with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis should always take extra precautions to protect from infection such as HMPV, influenza and other contagious diseases.