Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a virus that often causes acute respiratory infections. It can be found throughout the year and often outbreaks occur during the late rainy season to early winter, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. It is similar to the RSV virus.
hMPV infection in children
hMPV often affects young children, especially those under 5 years old, whose immune systems are not yet strong enough. สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที This virus can cause a range of illnesses, from mild to severe, such as:
- Upper respiratory tract infections include colds, fever, runny nose, cough, and can also cause otitis media.
- Lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, which can cause more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or hypoxemia.
Symptoms of h MPV infection
- High fever
- I have a runny nose and a stuffy nose.
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite or decreased milk intake in young children
Distribution of h MPV
- hMPV infection occurs through contact with bodily fluids such as nasal discharge, saliva, or phlegm of an infected person, through droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as through contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as toys or furniture.
- Symptoms usually begin to appear 3 to 7 days after infection (the incubation period of the disease).
Diagnosis
A doctor will diagnose hMPV infection by examining the patient’s physical examination and history of symptoms, testing a sample of nasal or respiratory secretions by PCR, and testing for antigens or antibodies.
Treatment
There is currently no specific antiviral drug for hMPV, so treatment is supportive, including:
- Giving fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Providing fluids if the child is dehydrated
- Use of supplemental oxygen in cases where children have respiratory distress
*For children with comorbidities such as chronic lung disease or heart disease, they should be under close medical supervision.
Protection
Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent hMPV, there are preventive measures that can help reduce the risk, including:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean toys and surfaces that children frequently touch.
- Wear a mask during the outbreak
Cautions for parents
- If your child has a high fever, has difficulty breathing, or drinks less milk, you should see a doctor immediately.
- Immunocompromised children should be closely monitored if infection is suspected.
Recurrent hMPV infection can occur because the initial infection does not produce permanent immunity, so prevention is important, including seeing a doctor when symptoms appear, which is important to reduce the severity and impact of this virus.