New Delhi: The Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is essentially just another virus that causes the common cold. There is no vaccine against it, or any antiviral drugs, which makes it a bit scary, perhaps. As a consequence, medical tests do not typically even check for HMPV, so it is likely that you may suffer from it and recover without ever knowing. A number of cases are being detected across India now. The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all hyper vigilant, and one of the most proven methods of preventing infections is to work from home. This particularly applies to anyone suffering from flu-like symptoms themselves, as you can compromise those around you, including children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
Here, it is necessary for both the companies and the employees to take steps to prevent presenteeism, which is creating the conditions where people are encouraged to show up for working from office even when they are sick. Allowing employees the flexibility to work from home when required is a responsible approach that closely aligns with recommended best practices for public health. Just providing employees with the option of paid leaves may not be sufficient to prevent them from coming to work when they are sick, which exposes the other employees to respiratory diseases. Despite everyone getting familiar with remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies may be reluctant to enforce the optimal policies for the health of their employees.
WFH is not an option, what can I do?
There are still a number of precautionary steps that can be taken to keep respiratory diseases at bay during the flu season. There are spikes in HMPV cases between the winter and early summer months. The precautions include washing hands thoroughly after touching shared items such as microwaves, light switches or lift buttons. It helps to keep a hand sanitiser on the desk, and sanitise the work environment as well, preferably using disinfecting wipes. It is better to avoid touching surfaces with bare hands, and at the same time also avoiding touching your face, especially the mouth, nose and the eyes. Even if you do get infected, the symptoms of HMPV are mostly mild to moderate, and remember to definitely recover at home if you do fall sick.
Working from home is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the transmission of respiratory diseases. Following basic hygiene practices is sufficient to keep HMPV at bay. Health Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
