Attention, but not alarm. What matters above all is to monitor the situation, in a winter which, like every year, offers a resurgence of cases of respiratory infections of viral origin (and not only).
What is known to date is that the metapneumovirus or Hmpvto talk about the strain that is being talked about a lot in relation to an increase in cases in China, is not new. On the contrary. It was identified at the beginning of this century. And they have already been there isolations from us too. In the meantime, the flu is advancing which is reaching its peak, thanks to the reopening of schools. And other viruses, like the one it causes, have certainly not disappeared Covid, with its variantsor the Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV. Not to mention families that are little talked about, such as the Rhinoviruses, responsible for the municipality cold.
What to do? It is important to protect yourself, limit potentially “dangerous” contacts as much as possible and above all not leave the house if you have symptoms. For themselves and for others.
hMPV, the situation in China and who risks the most
As mentioned, metapneumovirus is not new. And it normally circulates in winter, as WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris also points out, the characteristics of the infection also point out: “It usually causes mild respiratory symptoms, but it can affect more seriously vulnerable individuals“.
Here, particular attention must be paid to these people in the event of the presence of respiratory symptoms, which are very common and non-specific such as a stuffy nose, perhaps a few lines of fever, repeated sneezing. These are the signs of what are called ILI (or illnesses that resemble the flu). And it is in this period that these conditions become particularly present, and with them possible complications, including bacterial superinfections and more complex respiratory conditions.
So i paintings can be more serious in those who are advanced in years, those who suffer from chronic pathologies that can affect the immune system or in any case increase the risks that seasonal viruses represent the classic straw that breaks the camel’s back of not particularly good health, those who are undergoing treatment with drugs that can affect defenses. For these subjects, maximum attention must be paid regardless of age.
Returning to hMPV in China, we can consider the data released by the country’s control bodies at the end of 2024. In general terms, the prevalence of‘flu as a circulating virus. Having said that surveillance and laboratory data for hMPV may not be completely available, it should be noted that ILI rates have not changed substantially compared to other winter seasons. In short, the situation must be controlled, but without particular stress.
Growing influence
According to data reported by the Epicentro website of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), in the last week of last year a slight increase in the incidence of the so-called (ILI) was observed, a slight increase compared to the previous week. In particular, in addition to the strains that cause the flu, also the Rhinovirus and RSV, which contribute to increasing symptomatic cases. According to information from the RespiVirNet-Epi database, in the 51st week of 2024 the total incidence was approximately 10.1 cases per thousand assisted. And the trend appears to be growing these days.
“The current spread of the disease is lower than forecast at the beginning of the season, also because there hasn’t been the prevalence of the virus that scared us the most, i.e. H3N2 of Australian origin – explains Fabrizio Pregliascovirologist and professor of General and Applied Hygiene at the University of Milan, scientific director of Osservatorio Virusrespiratori.it. For the moment, we are in fact seeing a mix between that virus and A/H1N1, which has less severe effects.
THE’ongoing flu epidemic it then overlaps with the persistent presence of other viruses that affect the respiratory tract such as the respiratory syncytial virus, the adenovirus and Covid which, although less bad, is still present in our country. In the next few days, due to the reopening of schools and the incoming wave of frost, cases of flu-like illnesses will however multiply and in two or three weeks we will reach the peakprobably at the end of the month.”
Because the season is at risk
There is a specific action of temperature on the spread of viruses and the cold facilitates it both indirectly and directly. Indirect because, with low temperatures, we spend time more often in closed places where, especially if too hot and humid, there is a greater possibility of contagion. Direct, since for example temperature changes are responsible for blocking the so-called mucociliary clearance, i.e. they momentarily paralyze the continuous movement of the cilia present on the cells of the respiratory system which move the mucus produced in the deepest parts of the lung upwards a continuous recirculation. This temporary block reduces the protective barrier and facilitates the penetration of viruses.
What to do in case of flu and other respiratory problems
For viral respiratory infections there are no therapies capable of attacking the virus directly. In addition to symptomatic medications, therefore, it is better to stay at home. On the food front, when you have the flu you often are inappetent: so no problem if you eat less. However, it is important to eat many small and light meals, perhaps favoring the classic chicken “broth” which can have a positive effect on the defenses. We must then remember drink enough, also taking advantage of the vitamin C present in citrus juices, to recover liquids and mineral salts lost through sweating and reduce the risk of dehydration.
Prevention chapter. If possible, when you are in crowded environments or with poor air exchange it would be important protect your nose and mouth with a mask, to reduce risks, as well as covering your nose and mouth in case of sneezing or coughing. People should also think about wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow. When a person with flu or other respiratory viruses breathes, coughs, or talks, they emit droplets of saliva that contain the virus and that can be inhaled by other people. The virus thus enters our body, spreading along the throat and the rest of the respiratory tract. Suffice it to say that only one sneeze it can contain around 40,000 micro droplets that can travel at over 300 kilometers per hour. Slightly slower are the 3,000 droplets that flow from a coughwhich move at about 75 kilometers per hour. Finally, it is important to wash your hands regularly.
