The main signs of HMPV, a highly infectious virus that has apparently swept over regions of northern China in recent weeks, have been described by a chemist, reports The Mirror.
Pictures that have gone viral online seem to depict packed hospitals with masked individuals occupying wards and waiting areas—scenes that are common during winter respiratory epidemics. Beijing has played down the issue, claiming that this year’s respiratory illnesses are “smaller in scale” and “less severe” than those that occurred in 2023.
Data has shown that HMPV, also known as the human metapneumovirus, is growing in the UK as well, despite the fact that cases are on the rise in China. According to recent data from the UK’s Health and Security Agency, the positive rate among people 80 years of age and older is 7.3%, up from 4.9% overall, reports The Mirror.
HMPV was being monitored in Ireland as part of regular surveillance, however due to accuracy issues, testing was discontinued in October 2024. According to an explanation from the Health Protection monitoring Centre (HPSC), “HPSC has stopped reporting on hMPV detections from virological monitoring of sentinel and non-sentinel specimens as of 14/10/2024. This is because the standard respiratory panel has a higher chance of producing false-positive results.
Since the virus is present in the UK, it is certainly circulating here as well, even if there are no official statistics on the number of cases in Ireland at this time, reports The Mirror.
There is no reason to worry, according to experts. HMPV is not new, in contrast to COVID. It was initially discovered in the Netherlands in 2001, and it typically circulates in numerous nations, including Ireland, throughout the winter. HMPV belongs to the same viral family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another prevalent disease.
Although HMPV usually results in mild, flu-like symptoms, it can occasionally cause major respiratory problems. According to Surrey Live, a leading chemist has described the main signs to look out for and how to prevent its spread, reports The Mirror.
Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent Niamh McMillan said: “HMPV is a respiratory virus which can cause symptoms similar to the common cold, or flu. It is a highly contagious virus that primarily spreads through droplets in the air when someone coughs and sneezes. It can also be spread via surfaces touched by contaminated hands. While HMPV can affect people of all ages, those most at risk include young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems,” reports The Mirror.
The symptoms, which might mimic the flu or the common cold, often show up three to six days after exposure. According to Niamh, “a cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, body aches, headaches, and a high temperature are symptoms to be aware of.” In more extreme situations, HMPV can result in more serious health issues including pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis. Patients may also experience shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, and extreme exhaustion. Anyone exhibiting these symptoms ought to get medical help right once, reports The Mirror.
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