HMPV Cases in India Rise to 7: Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Antibiotics
India has reported a total of seven confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), following detections in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and more recently, Nagpur. According to a report by *India Today* on Tuesday, these cases were identified between January 6 and now.
Health experts have emphasized that HMPV is not a newly discovered virus. Union Health Minister JP Nadda, in a video message, noted that more cases of HMPV and other respiratory infections could emerge during the winter and early spring seasons. The ongoing cold weather raises concerns about increasing instances of respiratory illnesses, including HMPV and influenza.
Symptoms of HMPV
The most commonly observed symptoms of HMPV include:
• Cough
• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Shortness of breath
In severe cases, the virus can lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, as noted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Adults with HMPV may experience symptoms like:
• Persistent cough
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Fatigue and body aches
• Sore throat
• Mucus production
Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director at Max Healthcare, explained that while most adults experience mild upper respiratory symptoms, certain groups are at higher risk of severe complications. These include:
• Kids below 5 years old
• older adults
• Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart or kidney disease, or cancer
For these groups, HMPV can lead to wheezing, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
Is Antibiotic Treatment Effective for HMPV?
Medical experts confirm that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like HMPV. According to Dr. Ankit Yadav, a pediatrician at Civil Hospital Sarangpur, Madhya Pradesh, the human body typically recovers from such infections on its own. Symptomatic treatments, which focus on managing fever, cough, and body aches, are usually sufficient for recovery.
However, Dr. Yadav noted that antibiotics might be prescribed in cases where a secondary bacterial infection develops alongside the viral illness. He further explained, “When patients display severe symptoms like high fever and chest congestion, antibiotics may be considered, but they are not part of the initial treatment plan.”
Precautions and Outlook
As respiratory illnesses are expected to increase in the coming weeks, health experts recommend taking preventive measures such as maintaining good hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying vigilant about symptoms, especially for vulnerable groups. Understanding the nature of HMPV and seeking timely medical care can help manage its impact during the winter.
