Brits Must Stay Alert to Hidden Symptoms of Potentially Deadly Flu-Like Virus
Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have surged across northern Chinese provinces, mainly among children, and experts urge Brits to be cautious of flu-like symptoms. The virus is already on British shores and its cases are increasing, but experts warn that it can lurk in the body for days before causing symptoms, making it easy to spread without realizing it.
HMPV typically causes symptoms similar to the common cold, such as a cough, runny nose, or nasal congestion, a sore throat, and fever that clears up after around five days. However, more severe symptoms like bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia can occur, particularly in vulnerable individuals, leading to shortness of breath, severe cough, or wheezing.
Professor John Tregoning urges Brits to be cautious and follow simple precautions to avoid spreading the virus, such as being in well-ventilated spaces, covering their mouths when coughing, and washing their hands. Those infected should rest, stay hydrated, and try not to spread it to others, and if feeling very unwell, seek medical attention.
Other experts suggest that the increase in cases may be due to the virus’s ability to lurk in the body for days before causing symptoms, making it easy to spread unknowingly. However, they emphasize that the rise in cases should not cause undue concern, and that there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the virus.
The UK has seen a marked increase in cases of the virus, with data showing a higher number of cases than at the same time last year. However, experts caution that the rise is not necessarily due to a genuine increase in the number of cases, but rather a greater awareness and diagnosis of the virus.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a rise in flu-like illnesses, with 7.2% of outpatient visits in northern provinces attributed to flu-like illness, up 12% on the previous week. The UK is also battling a wave of flu, with flu hospital admissions quadrupling in recent weeks, and experts expecting further increases due to socializing indoors over the Christmas and New Year period.