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| -Signs, Portents, and the Weather- |
| The hidden symptoms of HMPV - the 'mystery' illness surging China that experts say has ALREADY hit the UK |
| 2025-01-07 |
| [Daily Mail, where America gets its news] Brits must stay alert to the hidden symptoms of a potentially dangerous flu-like virus that has already caused chaos in China, experts warned today. Cases of the infection human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have surged across northern Chinese provinces in recent days, mainly among children. And MailOnline can reveal that the bug, which can prove fatal in the most vulnerable, is already on British shores - and rising in prevalence. Latest UK data shows cases of the virus - responsible for packed hospital waiting rooms in China and eerily similar to the early days of Covid - have seen a 'marked increase' in recent weeks - slightly higher than at the same time last year. UK cases of HMPV first emerged in 2001, with roughly just four cases per week detected by PCR tests in winter, on average. But experts have today cautioned that a hidden rise may be underway, as the virus can lurk in the body for days before causing tell-tale symptoms, leaving people to spread it unknowingly. However, they warned that the spike in cases 'should not cause undue concern'. HMPV typically causes symptoms similar to the common cold, including a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, a sore throat and fever that clear after around five days. But more severe symptoms such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia can occur, with sufferers experiencing a shortness of breath, severe cough or wheezing. Experts urged Brits to be cautious of flu-like symptoms over fears it could actually be HMPV. Professor John Tregoning, an expert in vaccine immunology at Imperial College London, says that it has very similar symptoms - in children at least - to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. 'It is part of the cocktail of winter viruses that we are exposed to and, like other viruses, it will transmit in coughs, sneezes and in droplets. 'Protecting yourself by being in well-ventilated spaces, covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands will all help,' said Professor Tregoning Similar to the advice related to Covid and RSV, those infected must 'rest, stay hydrated and try not to spread it to others', he added. 'If you do feel very unwell, go to your GP. As it is a virus, antibiotics won’t have any effect.' Unlike Covid, there is no vaccine yet or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV and treatment primarily involves managing symptoms. |
| Posted by:Skidmark |
| #1 Might explain the mystery bug floating around GA. schools & Gyms, that started back Mid-Nov. |
| Posted by: NN2N1 2025-01-07 05:21 |