New Delhi: History repeats itself and we have grown up hearing this. While the statement manifests in the most unexpected ways, the COVID-19 pandemic is one instance that no one wishes to relive. However, with the HMPV infection wreaking havoc in China, it seems that the same may soon snowball to become a pandemic like COVID-19. After all, Covid was also not fatal at first, but eventually, its variants claimed millions of lives globally.
Dr. Bhavani Prasad Gudavalli, Head of the Department of Critical Care at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, underscores the critical need for vigilance in monitoring respiratory viruses, including the human metapneumovirus (hMPV). hMPV is a common virus responsible for respiratory infections, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. While it is typically not fatal for most people, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis in high-risk groups.
Dr. Bhavani stresses that even non-lethal viruses like hMPV should not be underestimated. Most of these viruses undergo antigenic drift and shift and gain enhanced virulence. He draws attention to the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many unanswered questions about its long-term effects on the human body. These unknowns make it even more important to prevent the widespread transmission of any flu-like virus. A seemingly mild infection might snowball into serious health issues, particularly for those who may already be grappling with the lingering impacts of COVID-19.
Moreover, allowing any flu virus to spread widely and unchecked can overwhelm healthcare systems, strain resources, and endanger vulnerable populations. States maintaining a vigilant stance not only protects individuals at higher risk but also ensures the overall resilience and efficiency of the healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Bhavani’s perspective serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of public health and the importance of proactive measures in mitigating the broader impacts of respiratory viruses.
Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, Director, of Infectious Diseases, Gleneagles Hospitals Bengaluru shared, “To fully understand the scale of the issue, extensive testing is required. Without enough samples, we can’t conduct genomic analyses to assess whether this strain has any new characteristics. However, at this point, we believe it’s unlikely to differ significantly. While HMPV is generally not fatal, it can cause severe illness, particularly in children, individuals with compromised immune systems, or those with pre-existing lung conditions. Although it is not a completely benign virus, it poses more risk to specific groups of people. Unlike COVID-19, which was a novel virus, HMPV has been around for a long time. Therefore, the likelihood of it evolving into a new pandemic is extremely low.”
Dr. Bhavani stresses that even non-lethal viruses like hMPV should not be underestimated. Most of these viruses undergo antigenic drift and shift and gain enhanced virulence. He draws attention to the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many unanswered questions about its long-term effects on the human body. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
