The mystery illness taking over China and the main cause of overcrowding in hospitals is none other than HMPV or human metapneumovirus.
This illness makes people feel cold-like symptoms that are very similar to the Covid-19 infection. As a result, it impacts the respiratory tract and so far, it’s affecting young kids.
Now the question is what is this new virus and how exactly can one identify its symptoms? China says it already has the right emergency measures in place as cases begin to spike to a new high.
It seems like kids have transformed into the biggest target demographic for this nasty ailment with many social media posts highlighting the long list of kids being admitted for this reason.
Some fear this might be the start of a pandemic as seeing images online of hospitals being overburdened is never a good sight.
Still, the country is reassuring the world that that there is nothing to worry about, things are under control, and it’s safe to travel so no need for closing borders.
As the figures peak, symptoms to look out for include fever, cough, and sore throats as studies show that this is not something new.
The figures for the virus keep surging in other places like the UK. The virus riddles the body like the flu, common cold, and Covid. But unlike the other three conditions outlined, it is milder in terms of severity.
The incubation period lasts from three to six days which means you might be carrying the infection without experiencing any symptoms.point 406 |
Now the worst part is how it can lead to complications like pneumonia that result in pus accumulation in the lungs and difficulty breathing.point 117 | It spreads from coughing and sneezing and also from contaminated surfaces.point 181 | This is why good hygiene practices and wearing masks are important.point 238 | 1
Also, there’s no vaccine or exact treatment to stop the virus so this needs to be remembered.