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Human metapneumovirus is becoming a new threat in China. This virus is being described as similar to covid. Some reports have claimed that there is an emergency like situation in China due to the virus. China CDC says that the symptoms of human metapneumovirus are almost similar to corona. Children are getting infected in large numbers due to this. This virus can also cause pneumonia in some children. In such a situation, they may need to be hospitalized. Meanwhile, the big question is why human metapneumovirus is affecting children more. Let’s know about this.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus whose symptoms are like cough and cold. However, this virus sometimes causes pneumonia. In some cases, it is similar to RSV infection, a common disease in children. RSV also infects children more. This can cause bronchiolitis. Due to which small children may have difficulty in breathing. In some cases, there may be a serious infection in the lungs, although this happens only with some children. This virus is not fatal in all children.
Why does HMPV infect young children?
Dr Rakesh Kumar of the Pediatric Department at AIIMS explains that most cases of this virus are reported in children younger than 5 years. The immune system of young children is not fully developed, which makes them more prone to any kind of infection. Since HMPV is a respiratory virus, it enters the lungs of children through the air and easily infects them.
Lung infections of young children are easily caused and they may have difficulty breathing. Since Human Metapneumovirus has symptoms similar to RSV and COVID to a large extent, children easily get infected by it. However, in most cases, children recover within a few days.
Dr Rakesh explains that children who already have a disease like asthma or bronchitis are at risk from this virus. In such a situation, these children get infected easily.
This virus is not new
According to epidemiologist Dr. Jugal Kishore, the human metapneumovirus spreading in China is not a new disease. This virus was identified in the year 2001. Its first case came then. After that, cases of the virus keep coming in some countries of the world. In such a situation, it is wrong to think that there is a new virus in China again. It may be that the cases of this virus are increasing, but there is no need to panic about it. It is important that people take precautions
How to take care of children from the virus
- Advise children to clean their hands regularly
- Take appropriate steps to protect your child from infection
- Avoid traveling to infected areas
- Take care of food
