The NHS is currently under acute pressure due to rising cases of the virus spreading around the world, with hospital services across the country bearing the brunt. Health officials are advising people to avoid medical facilities if they have symptoms and to wear masks when visiting hospital wards.
This concern is due to a surge in diseases like human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which has become an international problem with countries like China, India and Malaysia tackling outbreaks. HMPV, although not Covid, is worrying because of its possible impact on an already strained NHS.
It was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001 and belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Stay informed of the latest health news by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Dr Andrew Catchpole of health research organization hVIVO explains: “Although hMPV mutates and changes over time with the emergence of new strains, it is not a virus that we consider to have pandemic potential . strains that were previously circulating.
In England, the number of people testing positive for hMPV increased in December, but recent figures suggest stability, with 4.5% of patients with respiratory symptoms testing positive when visiting their GP. The highest positivity rates were seen in children under five, where 7.2% of tests came back positive for HMPV, Surrey Live reports.
HMPV, a virus that spreads through direct contact between people or through contaminated surfaces, usually causes a mild upper respiratory infection. Its symptoms, very similar to those of the flu, include a cough, fever and a stuffy nose.
These symptoms usually develop over a few days and can last up to two weeks, accompanied by additional symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, sore throat, coughing, and general discomfort. The virus poses the greatest risk to very young children, especially children under two years old, as well as those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly and people with advanced cancer.
Serious symptoms of hMPV can include lung inflammation and pneumonia. Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “HMPV is a common respiratory infection in winter, and we usually see activity peak at this time of year. Infections are usually mild, causing symptoms of a common illness. cold.”
He added: “Our monitoring systems in GP surgeries and hospitals indicate that levels are as we expected. Most people contracted hMPV before the age of five and get it again throughout their lives. respiratory viruses, you can help reduce transmitted infections by washing your hands regularly, catching coughs and sneezes in tissues and throwing them away.
“If you have symptoms such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Many viruses are currently circulating, including flu – if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness and need to go out, our advice continues to be to consider wearing a face mask.
