The Latest on the Virus Outbreak in China: Facts and Updates

Viruses and virus infections seem to be the undisputed champions when it comes to disease outbreaks with the possibility of a global impact. This could be because of something called antigenic drift, which enables them to change and adapt to the environment. However, this varies depending on the type of virus.

Here are some basic facts on the latest virus causing an endemic outbreak in China called human metapneumovirus (hMPV). This virus has been associated with severe respiratory conditions and is feared to lead to another pandemic. However, is the fear justified? 

What Is Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)?

hMPV is a previously discovered respiratory virus that causes upper respiratory tract infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weak or compromised immunity. In healthy people, hMPV might induce mild symptoms, but this virus is one of the major causes of bronchiolitis in children and other respiratory-associated health problems.

These health conditions include pneumonia, asthma, croup, etc. It can be challenging to distinguish hMPV from flu and respiratory syncytial virus as it can cause similar symptoms. This virus can also cause lower respiratory tract infection, which tends to be more severe if you have low immunity.

How Is hMPV Spread?

The spread of the disease can likely occur through nasal and salivary droplets from infected people, close personal contact, or touching contaminated objects. The spread of hMPV occurs during colder months in winter and can last until spring.

What Are the Symptoms of hMPV?

The symptoms associated with hMPV usually start 3-6 days after contracting the disease. These symptoms can range from mild to chronic depending on the immunity of the infected individual.

The mild symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite and fatigue
• Shortness of breath

The chronic or severe symptoms include the following:

• Worsening of asthma
• Pneumonia
• Bronchiolitis
• Wheezing and hoarseness

hMPV Versus COVID-19

Fortunately, hMPV is not like COVID-19. A key difference between the COVID-19 virus and hMPV is that human metapneumovirus was discovered in 2001, and most people already have immunity to it due to past infections. This reduces the risk of causing a pandemic spread of the disease.

Additionally, pandemics occur when a completely new virus insidiously affects the human population such as COVID-19. Or a new variant of the virus enters the population by a combination of a human and animal version acquired from a known animal reservoir. Such is not the case in hMPV and the changes in hMPV are gradual and based on previous strains that circulate during a seasonal period.     

Effective Tips for Prevention

People with weak immunity and children are the common targets of viral infections. Therefore, strengthening the immunity by adequate supplementation with NATURE’SFIELD IMMUNE DEFENCE comes into play to ensure your immune system is bulletproof. Also, you can reduce the risk of getting hMPV and other respiratory problems with the following tips;

• Maintain personal hygiene by incorporating hand washing and use of hand sanitizers to reduce the risk of infection.
• Do not share personal items that you put in your mouth such as utensils or drinking cups.
• Implement a healthy lifestyle which includes eating nutritious foods, regular exercise, reducing stress, and getting adequate sleep.
• If you have cold-like symptoms, minimize the spread by self-isolating if possible and avoid sneezing or coughing without covering your mouth or nose.

Although the risk of the hMPV pandemic is remote, the virus can cause severe complications in people and discomfort in others. With no vaccine yet available to prevent it, the best strategy is to avoid its spread. This can be done by fortifying your immunity with NATURE’SFIELD IMMUNE DEFENCE. A healthy immune system positively grooms your overall well-being.