Don’t Panic Telangana: HMPV is like any other respiratory virus during winter season

Hyderabad: The Telangana Health Department clarified that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is like any other respiratory virus which causes a common cold and flu-like symptoms during winter.

The spread of HMPV-a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms, similar to COVID-19- in China has raised health concerns globally, with countries closely monitoring the situation.

The government has issued an advisory following the viral news of a human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China on various electronic and print media platforms.

According to the DGHS and Director NCDC, MoH&FW, GOI, said Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes a common cold and flu-like symptoms during winter, especially among younger and older age groups.

"So far, no cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in Telangana. The Health Department has analysed the data of prevailing respiratory infections within the state. There is no substantial increase in December 2024 compared to 2023," said the statement.

"There is no cause for alarm regarding Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) reports from China and the state Health Department is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with Director NCDC, MoH&FW, GOI New Delhi," said Dr B Ravinder Nayak Director of Public Health & Family Welfare, Telangana.

As a part of the precautionary measures, the Health Department urges citizens to follow certain Dos & Don’ts as a safeguard against respiratory infections.

DOs:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoid crowded places; stay at more than an arm’s length from persons affected by the flu.
• Stay away from public places if you have fever, cough and sneezing.
• Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.
• Adequate ventilation with outdoor air is recommended in all settings to reduce the transmission.
• Stay at home and limit contact with others if you are sick.
• Sleep well.

Don'ts:

• Shaking hands.
• Reuse of tissue paper & handkerchief.
• Close contact with sick people.
• Frequent touching of eyes, nose & mouth pitting in public places.
• Taking medicines (self-medication) without consulting a physician.

China plays down reports of huge flu outbreak; says country safe for travel:

China played down reports of a massive outbreak of flu in the country's overwhelming hospitals, saying that cases of respiratory diseases which occur during the winter were less severe this year compared to last year.

The Foreign Ministry said, it is safe for foreigners to travel to China.

"Respiratory infections tend to peak during winter in the Northern Hemisphere," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media here in response to a question on the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases in China.