There’s been a lot of noise about HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) lately on social media and the news. It feels like déjà vu, like COVID-19 all over again. But let’s take a deep breath and think critically for a second. From childhood, we’ve been taught about viruses and their symptoms like the common cold, flu, and others are part of life.  Yes, severe cases can sometimes turn into bronchitis or pneumonia and in extreme cases, these can be life-threatening. But here’s the thing: this isn’t new information.

When COVID-19 hit, the symptoms, cough, fever, and fatigue weren’t entirely new. What amplified the fear were the headlines, sensational news, and constant doom scrolling on social media. People became hyper-vigilant of every sneeze or cough. This is the reason why stress, panic, and cortisol levels went through the roof. And as we know, chronic stress can weaken our immune systems and ironically make us more prone to illness.

So let’s talk about HMPV. This isn’t a new virus. It’s been around for over 50 years. Studies have been done and experts know its behaviour. It can cause respiratory symptoms but it’s not the deadly threat the headlines make it out to be.

The real danger is fear and misinformation. Panickiness and stress have a bigger impact on your health than the virus itself.

Stay informed but don’t let sensationalism steal your peace of mind. Focus on keeping your immune system healthy, eat well, drink well and rest. Trust science not fear.

In this blog, we’ll explore the HMPV Virus, its symptoms, how it spreads, and what we can do to stay protected.

What is the HMPV Virus?

HMPV stands for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). This virus was first identified in 2001, studies suggest that HMPV has been circulating in humans for several decades but now it has come into the picture. HMPV is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, especially in children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

There aren’t any antiviral medications that treat this HMPV virus, but most people can manage its symptoms at home until they feel better. This virus can be diagnosed by using a swab to get a sample from the nose or throat.

HMPV Virus Can Spread Through:

As this is a virus it spreads primarily through respiratory droplets, surface contamination, and close contact.

• When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, the droplets containing the virus can be inhaled by others and thus transferred from one person to another.
• It can be transferred by close contact too. Physical proximity such as shaking hands, sharing utensils, and hugging the infected person increases the risk of spreading disease.

HMPV Virus Symptoms

Since HMPV can present itself with these symptoms due to overlapping, it becomes quite a task to diagnose it in the beginning stages.

Some of the most dominant symptoms include:

• Fever: Rapid increase in a person’s body temperature, comes with high fever and chills if the body is detecting any signs of infection.
• Coughing: Irritation of the respiratory system can lead to a cough which sometimes lasts for a few days, especially during nighttime, these could be dry coughs.
• Breath Shortness: It becomes hard to breathe during physical activity due to inflamed or swollen airways.
• Fatigue: Unexplainable and unusual tiredness or feeling low in energy is quite common as the body defends itself against a virus.
• Severe Breathlessness: having a respiratory attack could present problems to breathe.

Certain symptoms are less common but they still are very much possible:

• Rashes: Red patches on the skin that happen out of the blue, or a rash that may turn out to be itchy, these usually occur as a result of a body’s response to a virus.
•  Aches in Muscles: Pain in many parts of the body especially the arms, legs and back.
• Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Vomiting, nausea or diarrhea are some of the signs that can show up and while they are quite rare still due to inflammation in the body they become possible.
• Absence of Taste or Smell: This condition may arise from nasal congestion or viral impacts on sensory nerves, but people experiencing it frequently find it to be very rare.

Measures to Prevent HMPV

It is always easier to prevent than it is to cure. HMPV infection control tactics can be used as suggestions seeing as it’s still being researched.

Adopt Good Hygiene Practices

•  Use soap and clean water to wash your hands for about 20 seconds after coming from outside.
• Try not to rub your eyes or other parts of your face to steer clear from spreading the infection.

Practice Social Distancing

• Try to remain three meters apart from others in crowded places.
• Also, avoid confined spaces or being in contact with people in situations where you can easily get the infection and it is the ideal time for it to spread.

Boost Your Immunity:

• Include fruits, vegetables, and eggs and food rich in vitamins C, D, and zinc to strengthen your immune system. Here are some supplements that can help you boost your immunity : iThrive Essentials Zinc Defense and iThrive Essentials Vitamin D3+K2.
• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body to repair and rejuvenate.
• Practice mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress, which can weaken immunity.

Conclusion

While it is obvious to feel anxious about a new virus like HMPV, the right knowledge is our greatest tool. Therefore, understanding the virus, recognising symptoms and taking preventative measures can help in keeping ourselves and our communities safe.

At iThrive, we believe in empowering individuals with the best health care and build a strong immunity that leads to healthier lives. Our functional nutrition approach focuses on personalised nutrition, expert guidance, supplementation, root cause analysis, and lifestyle interventions. We are here to support you in every possible way and make you prepared for future challenges.

Stay informed and most importantly don’t panic. Together with the right support and proactive measures, we can tackle any disease.