New Delhi
Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are increasing across the country. But the Health Ministry says that people do not need to panic. Meanwhile, Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), said on Tuesday that antibiotics have no role in the treatment of human metapneumovirus. This is a respiratory disease. He has advised people to drink adequate amount of water and eat nutritious food.
HMPV is quite old
He said that this virus is not new. It has been around for a long time. There is only mild infection in this. But it causes pneumonia in infants, children, elderly and already sick people. Due to this there is difficulty in breathing. You may also have to be admitted to hospital. According to Dr. Randeep Guleria, this virus usually gets cured on its own. If you have fever, take medicine, keep drinking water and eat good nutritious food.
Avoid going to crowded places
Dr. Randeep Guleria said that in case of infection, avoid going to crowded places. This will not spread the infection. Treatment of the virus is only symptomatic. Drink plenty of water to reduce fever and body pain. If there are symptoms like cough and cold then anti-allergic medicine can be taken. He said that there is no specific antiviral medicine. This is a viral infection. For this reason, taking antibiotics does not play any important role in this.
Keep children at home when it is cold
Dr. Guleria said that if a child has fever, cold and cough, they should stay at home for at least 5 to 7 days, so that the child does not spread the infection to others in school. He advised people to regularly wash hands and wear masks to avoid respiratory diseases like flu. He said that everyone should follow the lessons we have learned from Covid-19. This will protect not only from HMPV but also from other influenza related viruses including COVID.
Total seven cases across the country
A total of seven cases of HMPV have been reported across the country. Two cases each have been reported in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and one in Gujarat. All these cases are of children between 3 months to 13 years.
Keeping a close eye on the situation: JP Nadda
Union Health Minister JP Nadda said in a video message that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001. It has been spreading all over the world for many years. It spreads through air through respiration. The special thing is that this virus affects people of all ages. But it spreads more in winter. JP Nadda said that there is no reason to worry. The situation is being monitored closely.
