PNS | DEHRADUN
Doctors have advised parents to encourage their children to adhere to hygiene practices and maintain social distancing to mitigate the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Notably, within a week, many schools across the State are preparing to reopen for students following a winter break. This situation has understandably caused concern among parents regarding how to protect their children from the HMPV virus. In light of this, doctors have reassured parents that there is no need for alarm. They recommend following basic precautions and providing a nutritious diet to enhance children’s immune systems.
Paediatrician at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay district hospital Dr Rohit Thakur said that children are particularly susceptible to infections during the winter months. Nevertheless, the emergence of the HMPV virus has resulted in heightened anxiety among some parents. He stressed that there is no reason to panic, but rather, families should observe the necessary precautions akin to those recommended during the Covid-19 pandemic. He stated that the HMPV virus does not have an increased likelihood of rapid transmission. However, it is advisable to take precautions. He further said that as schools in the city and across the State prepare to reopen, children should be made aware of these precautions. The HMPV virus can lead to symptoms such as cough, cold, fever and other respiratory issues among children. To mitigate these risks, it is essential for children to wash their hands regularly, maintain social distance in schools and carry hand sanitiser to ensure proper hygiene, he emphasised.
Further, a paediatrician at the Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Dr Vishal Kaushik said that the HMPV virus is not a new occurrence; it has been present for some time. However, due to increased testing, it has become more commonly recognised. He noted that the fatality rate associated with the HMPV virus is one per cent, while the hospitalisation rate stands at five per cent. He also stressed that children aged four to five years, who may not have fully developed immune systems, are particularly susceptible to this virus. As schools prepare to reopen after the winter break, it is essential for children to adhere to additional precautions regarding nutrition and hygiene. The representative noted that common symptoms of the HMPV virus in children include cough and cold, and in more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, particularly when a child experiences rapid breathing. To mitigate the spread of the HMPV virus, children are encouraged to maintain social distance within schools, practice hand hygiene diligently and those exhibiting symptoms such as cold or cough should isolate themselves and refrain from attending school. Further, it is important for children to consume a nutritious diet to strengthen their immune systems. The representative stressed that parents should remain vigilant for any symptoms of HMPV in their children and seek medical consultation promptly if any arise, Kaushik said.
