The seasonal disease "hMPV" is not new. A pediatrician at Vimut Hospital reveals symptoms can be severe in young children, who face a higher risk of pneumonia than adults.
During this cold weather, many people are enjoying the cool air, but such temperature changes can challenge the body’s ability to adapt, leading to illness.
The most common illnesses at this time are respiratory diseases. Recently, many may have heard news about the outbreak of "hMPV virus," which causes fever, cough, and nasal congestion, sparking rumors it might be a new disease like COVID.
In fact, this virus has existed for a long time and usually spreads among young children. Some patients have symptoms similar to a common cold and recover on their own, but others can develop severe symptoms like pneumonia.
Dr. Siwalee Seedafong, a pediatrician specializing in pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology at Vimut Hospital, invites parents to learn about hMPV to better protect their children from this disease.
Dr. Siwalee Seedafong said, "hMPV is not a new disease but one that appears during cold weather. Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a virus that causes inflammation in the respiratory tract, commonly spreading at the end of the rainy season and early winter each year. Although this virus was discovered long ago, it was hard to detect in the past due to diagnostic limitations. Nowadays, improved screening tests allow more accurate and effective detection of hMPV."
Anyone can be infected with hMPV, but it is most common in children under five years old. The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking, breathing in airborne droplets, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Dr. Siwalee Seedafong continued, "Adults usually experience mild symptoms like fever, cough, and runny nose similar to a common cold. However, young children need special attention because their respiratory systems are delicate and their immune systems not fully developed. They often exhibit severe symptoms, including high fever and intense coughing, which can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Parents should watch for the three key signs of pneumonia: fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Signs include chest indrawing, rapid or labored breathing, or flaring nostrils. If these occur, take the child to a doctor immediately."
However, hMPV infection is treatable and not as frightening as thought. Since its symptoms resemble those of the common cold, RSV, and COVID, parents might be uncertain about their child's illness. Currently, accurate screening tests like swab or RT-PCR can distinguish these diseases.
"Although there is no specific antiviral medication for hMPV yet, symptomatic treatment such as fever reducers and cough medicine can be used. Adults typically recover within 2-3 days, while young children take 5-7 days. In severe cases in children, like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, hospitalization may be necessary for bronchodilator treatments, mucus suctioning, or chest physiotherapy. Some may experience severe breathlessness or low oxygen levels requiring oxygen therapy, which can prolong recovery," Dr. Siwalee explained.
"hMPV is not a new disease and can be treated and prevented by wearing masks in crowded places, frequent handwashing, and avoiding shared eating utensils. Parents should carefully observe their child's symptoms and seek prompt medical care if serious symptoms develop. This disease is not as scary as it seems if everyone understands and responds properly," Dr. Siwalee concluded.