According to the Director General of the National Pharmacovigilance Center Riadh Daghfous, the HMPV virus which is starting to spread throughout the world does not present any danger and no case has been detected in Tunisia to date. It is still important to take necessary precautionary measures and to be informed about what hMPV is.
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages. It usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, but it can also lead to more serious infections, especially in infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Presentation of hMPV
Discovery and classification: hMPV was first identified in 2001, although it had probably been circulating for much longer. It belongs to the same family of viruses as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another common respiratory virus.
Seasonality: In temperate regions, hMPV infections most commonly occur in late winter and early spring, concurrent with RSV outbreaks.
Transmission : hMPV spreads in the same way as most respiratory viruses, through respiratory droplets—projectiles expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms : Symptoms of hMPV can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are:
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
Possible complications
In people at risk, hMPV can cause serious complications, such as:
- Bronchiolitis: Infection of the small airways of the lungs.
- Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs.
- Exacerbation of asthma: Worsening of asthma symptoms.
Precautionary advice
There is no vaccine against hMPV. The best way to protect yourself against infection is to follow the same hygiene measures as for other respiratory infections:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your face, especially1 your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay away from sick people.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
What to do if you have symptoms?
- Most hMPV infections clear up on their own within a few days or weeks.
Treatment generally consists of relieving symptoms:
- Rest: Get enough rest.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids.
- Medicines for fever and pain: Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve fever and muscle pain.
See a doctor if:
- The symptoms get worse.
- You have difficulty breathing.
- You have a high fever.
You are part of a risk group (infants, elderly people, immunocompromised people).
In summary, hMPV is a common respiratory virus that can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from the common cold to more serious infections. By adopting simple hygiene measures, it is possible to limit its spread. If you experience worrying symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor.
In brief —————————–
hMPV: The essential things to know
- What is hMPV? A common respiratory virus, similar to RSV, that causes cold-like symptoms.
- Main symptoms : Runny nose, cough, fever, wheezing, shortness of breath.
- Risk groups : Infants, elderly, immunocompromised.
- Possible complications : Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, exacerbation of asthma.
- Transmission : By respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Preventive measures : Wash your hands frequently, avoid contact with sick people, disinfect surfaces.
???? No cases detected in Tunisia to date.
