What is the 'mystery' virus? Britons urged to wear face masks
What is the 'mystery' virus? Britons urged to wear face masks
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Data from the UK Health Security Agency has shown that the number of cases of HMPV in the UK is increasing, with a positivity rate recorded as 4.9 per cent. The spike comes as cases of the virus are surging in China, which has raised concern over the potential of another pandemic five years after COVID-19. On social media, images of hospitals filled with patients wearing face masks have spread.
But what is HMPV – and is likely we could be entering into another pandemic?. HMPV stands for Human metapneumovirus. For those who test positive, symptoms are similar to that of a cold or flu, and include a runny nose, a cough, shortness of breath, a sore throat or, in some cases, a fever. In more serious cases, HMPV can cause pneumonia or exacerbate problems that people living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), HMPV spreads in the same way as other colds, through respiratory particles. As well as being in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for the virus, HMPV can also spread via contaminated surfaces.
Like other viruses, HMPV tends to spread faster in the winter months. This is because viruses survive better in colder temperatures and because people spend more time inside with windows and doors – which can help spread air particles – closed. HMPV is especially common among children. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people will have had HMPV before they turn five years old. Anyone can catch the virus, however, the elderly and people living with health conditions like COPD or immunosuppression are at higher risk of developing serious symptoms and illnesses.
