Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 8: India has reported seven cases of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) since Monday, sparking curiosity and concern. This common respiratory virus, first identified in 2001, primarily affects young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
While it’s not new, a slight increase in cases has brought the virus into the spotlight. Here's what you need to know about hMPV, vaccines, and prevention.
Is there a vaccine for hMPV?
Currently, no vaccine is available for hMPV. Researchers have explored several approaches, including live attenuated and subunit vaccines. However, challenges related to ensuring safety and efficacy have delayed development. While experimental vaccines have shown promise in animal studies, none have progressed to human trials.
Why is vaccine development challenging?
Creating a vaccine for hMPV is particularly difficult due to:
• Incomplete immune protection: Natural hMPV infections do not provide long-term immunity, making it harder to design a vaccine offering sustained protection.
• Safety concerns: Early attempts, like formalin-inactivated (FI-hMPV) vaccines, caused severe lung inflammation in animal studies, making them unsuitable.
• Balancing immunity and safety: Live attenuated vaccines must be weak enough not to cause illness while remaining strong enough to elicit an effective immune response.
Who is most at risk?
Although hMPV can infect anyone, the following groups are at greater risk:
• Infants and toddlers: Young children are more likely to contract the virus.
• Elderly individuals: Severe complications are more common in older adults with weakened immune systems.
• Chronic illness patients: Those undergoing chemotherapy or living with long-term medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.
What to do if infected?
Most hMPV infections are mild and can be managed at home with:
• Rest.
• Plenty of fluids.
• Over-the-counter medications for symptom relief.
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen or if the infected person belongs to a high-risk group.
Preventive measures
While there is no vaccine, you can reduce the risk of infection by:
• Practicing good hand hygiene.
• Avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
• Cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.
• Leading a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity.
Health authorities continue to monitor hMPV cases closely, urging the public to stay informed and take preventive measures. Early intervention and awareness are key to managing this respiratory virus effectively.