HMPV virus

 So we all know that nowadays there is a hype about the spread of this virus (human metapneumovirus) in China and it has been reported in India as well. People are in fear that there might be another pandemic like COVID-19.

Let's talk about that today and also discuss about some tips and home remedies on how can we protect ourselves from it as the only person we can change is ourselves and self protection is a priority.

What is HMPV Virus?

So this is just like an influenza virus, similar to COVID-19. It causes symptoms similar to cold like weakness, runny nose, sore throat, dyspnea (shortness of breath) or wheeze ( in case of asthmatics) . It usually causes mild symptoms in most individuals but attacks in children under 12, asthmatics,  immunocompromised and elderly people might lead to an increased risk of potentially fatal complications. If you take my word, simply in those people who have a low immunity level get infected with this virus. It is common to have this if you are younger than 5 years old. Once you recover from it, you are likely to get a relapse again but in that case the symptoms would be milder.

When to worry?

Upper respiratory infections are common with this virus but if  you develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia, asthma flare or worsening of COPD then consult your nearest doctor to consider hospitalization.

How to diagnose?

Simply like COVID-19, it can be diagnosed by a throat or nasal swab. 

Treatment

No specific vaccine has not been developed for it so far. The treatment usually involves symptomatic treatment and treating the complications (if any)

Role of antibiotics

No. Useless. Don't take it.

It is a viral infection and will subside on its own. Taking antibiotics to treat it will further increase the antibiotic resistance in the world.

Prevention

• Frequent hand washing
• Wearing mask while going outside
• social distancing
• keeping personal hygiene
• Boosting immunity
• keeping yourself hydrated

My Two cents

Everything is the same as we used previously for COVID-19 pandemic and it has been said that it is unlikely to become a pandemic unless it becomes mutated and becomes stronger and scarier.

So what I suggest to everyone is that don't panic. Keep calm. Strengthen your immunity.

Here I would share my most favorite immunity boosting drink that I have been using recently and it not only energizes me but keep flu away.

Ingredients that you need

1 fresh amla

1 inch of fresh turmeric

Just a pinch of dry ginger (soonth)

1 carrot medium sized

1 lemon juice

1 pomegranate 

1 medium sized beetroot

1 medium sized apple

1 glass water

Mix all these ingredients and blend smoothly to form a juice. Drink daily with empty stomach daily.

Also drink cucumber juice, pomegranate juice and eat fruit chat bowl during the day to replenish yourself as well as keep yourself hydrated.

Fruit chaat masala

salt

black salt

lemon juice

chat masala

jaggery water