You may have heard that a “new COVID” is going around – Human Metapneumovirus, or HMPV for short.
Before we start panicking, let’s take note of the message from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). “The NICD seeks to assure the public that there is no need to panic about the reported cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). This commonly occurring virus causes respiratory illness and is in the same family of viruses as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HMPV is detected all year round in South Africa as one of the regular seasonal respiratory viruses.”
What is HMPV?
- It is a virus that can bring on colds and severe breathing problems. These usually occur with children, older adults, and people with existing health conditions.
- Much like the flu or a cold, HMPV spreads from person to person. You can catch it by being around someone who is coughing or sneezing, or by touching a door handle, toys, and other items that the infected person has touched, and then touching your face.
- Symptoms include a cough, runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat, and a fever.
- In some cases, especially in babies, older people, or those with weak immune systems, it can cause more serious problems like trouble breathing or infections in the lungs (like pneumonia).
When to see a doctor
If you have trouble breathing, are feeling very tired, or have a high fever that doesn’t go away, it’s time to get medical help. While HMPV isn’t something to panic about, it’s always smart to take steps to protect your health and the health of those around you.
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