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HPMV Virus Facts vs. Social Media Gossip

Should we panic or should we not panic? Life during the COVID-19 pandemic was deadly. What we must remember is that COVID-19 was a novel virus at that time. Meanwhile, the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has surged in China. Should we immediately assume that "Oh no! Another lockdown is coming for the world!" or should we remain calm? I feel tense right now, even as I'm writing this. Partly, it's because I'm an outgoing person. Another reason is that I recall the number of Filipinos (both politicians and civilians) who do not follow simple guidelines. Right now, I can expect more racist attacks because I'm ethnically Chinese. I could even explain for all I care that (1) I was born in the Philippines, (2) I was raised in the Philippines, and (3) explain fluently that I never lived in China. The problem is that racist Filipinos do exist--never mind that the Philippines is a melting pot of several cultures! The recent Alice Guo (Guo Hua Ping) controversy where people allege I "bought a fake citizenship in Davao". But their best source has to be Trust Me Bro (read here) and Merkado CTTO (read here).

I don't deny that HPMV exists like COVID-19 exists. I don't subscribe to people like Kate Sheminari or the deniers. The Business Standard gives this detail on HPMV, which sounds less worrying than COVID-19:

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a viral infection that typically leads to symptoms resembling those of the common cold. It often causes upper respiratory infections, though it can sometimes lead to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, or aggravate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HMPV infections are most prevalent during the winter and early spring months.

HMPV is commonly contracted by children before the age of five. Although it is possible to experience HMPV more than once, subsequent infections generally result in milder symptoms.

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

Symptoms of HMPV infection include a cough, fever, runny or blocked nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rashes.

How is human metapneumovirus contracted?

HMPV is caused by a virus — a tiny microorganism that invades cells to reproduce. It belongs to the same viral family as those responsible for RSV, measles, and mumps. HMPV spreads primarily through direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces contaminated with the virus. Common modes of transmission include:

-Coughing and sneezing

-Physical contact such as shaking hands, hugging, or kissing

-Touching contaminated objects or surfaces, such as phones, doorknobs, keyboards, or toys

Treatment for human metapneumovirus

Currently, there are no antiviral treatments for HMPV. Most individuals can manage their symptoms at home until recovery.

However, if symptoms are severe, hospitalisation may be required for closer monitoring and to prevent further complications. In such cases, healthcare providers may administer:

-Oxygen therapy: To assist with breathing, supplemental oxygen may be provided through a nose tube or mask

-IV fluids: Intravenous fluids help maintain hydration

-Corticosteroids: Steroids may be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate some symptoms

In short, HPMV is something that people have been more familiar with than the COVID-19. Chances are that the overload in the hospital wasn't solely caused by HPMV. It's possible that other diseases because of the wild meat trade, also caused it. The Business Standard also gave this as as an introduction to the same article I shared:

Five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, China is grappling with an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Reports and social media posts suggest that the virus is spreading rapidly, with allegations of overwhelmed hospitals and crematories. Online videos show overcrowded hospitals, while users claim that multiple viruses — including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19 — are circulating simultaneously.

HPMV spread is indeed real. However, social media gossipers just want attention. It may be like how Andrew Wakefield created a bogus story, just for attention. Wakefield had his license revoked, thankfully. The best source of gossipers right now for the allegations of crematories may be Trust Me Bro. A combination of other stuff may have caused the hospitals to be overwhelmed. China is a non-tropical country. Only a few parts of China don't have winter. China has four seasons of winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Caution is necessary. Alarmism isn't. 

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