Beware of hmpv, flu and measles viruses

In early 2025, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) virus appeared in northern China, especially affecting children.

Preventing respiratory diseases in winter and spring: Beware of hmpv, flu and measles viruses

In early 2025, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) virus appeared in northern China, especially affecting children.

This has raised concerns not only in China but also in neighboring countries such as India and Kazakhstan. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised member states to maintain close surveillance for respiratory pathogens such as HMPV.

It is estimated that approximately 10-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV, of which a small proportion (5-16%) may develop into lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health is also closely monitoring the development of the epidemic and directing appropriate preventive measures, especially during the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Associate Professor, Dr. Do Duy Cuong, Director of the Center for Tropical Diseases, Bach Mai Hospital, said that the HMPV virus, although not a new virus (first discovered in 2001), is the cause of pneumonia and common respiratory diseases, especially in children and people with weak immune systems.

Previously, Vietnam has also recorded cases of HMPV, but in general, the severity of the disease is not too severe for healthy people. The symptoms of the disease are quite similar to the common cold, including cough, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and usually last from a few days to a week.

However, for people with underlying medical conditions, children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, the virus can cause pneumonia and serious complications.

It is estimated that approximately 10-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV, of which a small proportion (5-16%) can develop into lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia. Therefore, although not a major threat, HMPV virus still needs to be monitored and prevented, especially in the context of winter and spring.

In addition to the concern about the HMPV virus, according to Dr. Cuong, influenza is a very common respiratory disease that spreads strongly in winter and spring. This disease is caused by the influenza virus, with symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and can lead to serious complications, especially in children, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions. Every year, seasonal flu occurs in most countries and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai, Safpo/Potec Vaccination System, believes that the flu vaccine is the most effective preventive measure. However, many people wonder why they still get the flu even though they have been vaccinated. This is due to the constant change of influenza virus strains, which requires the vaccine to be adjusted each year to prevent the flu strains circulating that year.

Therefore, annual flu vaccination is very important, especially for high-risk groups such as children, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.

In addition, measles is a dangerous acute infectious disease, spread through the respiratory tract through droplets or direct contact with nasal and throat secretions of infected people. Although measles can cause serious complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and other infections, it can be effectively prevented by vaccination.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, in 2024, the country recorded 6,725 cases of measles, an increase of more than 130 times compared to 2023. Children who have not been vaccinated against measles or adults with reduced antibody levels are very susceptible to the disease.

Complications from measles can be very serious, so vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent it. Parents should ensure that their children are fully vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule, and adults should also be vaccinated if they have not had measles.

In the context of increasing respiratory diseases in winter and spring, prevention of respiratory diseases caused by viruses such as HMPV, influenza or measles is extremely important.

Preventive measures include cleaning the living environment, keeping the air well-ventilated, washing hands regularly and wearing a mask when going out, especially when in contact with people with flu symptoms or cough.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent HMPV, so the main preventive measures are to maintain personal hygiene, avoid contact with sick people, and if symptoms appear, go to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment. In particular, children need to be fully vaccinated against diseases such as measles and influenza.

For influenza and measles, vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. However, even after vaccination, if the patient gets sick, they still need proper care and close monitoring to avoid serious complications.

During winter and spring, improving health through a balanced diet, keeping the body warm and getting adequate rest is also a way to help increase the ability to fight disease-causing viruses.

Lunar New Year is a time when people travel a lot to reunite with their families, so the risk of spreading respiratory diseases in the community will increase. Although there are no travel restrictions recommended by WHO, people need to raise awareness of health protection during the winter and spring. Wear a mask when going to crowded places, keep your body warm, and pay attention to a scientific diet and lifestyle.

In particular, for children, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions, special attention should be paid to disease prevention and adherence to preventive measures to avoid contracting dangerous infectious diseases during the cold season.

Although there have been no reported deaths related to the HMPV virus, proactive prevention is still the best way to protect your health, especially during the Tet holiday and the upcoming spring.

In the context of epidemics and changing environmental factors, each individual needs to be aware of protecting their own health and the community's to limit the spread of winter-spring respiratory diseases.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/phong-ngua-benh-ho-hap-mua-dong-xuan-canh-giac-voi-virus-hmpv-cum-va-soi-d241344.html