Understanding the hMPV:
Stay Informed, Stay Healthy
The
Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a sharp increase
in respiratory viral infections since December 2024, including from the Human Metapneumovirus
(hMPV) drawing, widespread media attention.
However,
most experts agree that the likelihood of a Covid like pandemic is low because
variance of hMPV have circulated for decades, and many people have at least
some levels of immunity. Most people have had hMPV by the time their 5 and will
catch in again throughout their lives.
Its
seasonality is similar to that of Influenza with peak activity in western
winter (December) and early spring (March). The upsurge of respiratory
infections observed in Lagos is due to the influx of visitors for the ‘Detty
December’.
What is hMPV?
The
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the
upper and lower respiratory tracts. It is common in children, older adults, and
those with weakened immune systems, but it can infect individuals of any age.
Symptoms can range from mild cold-like signs to severe respiratory illnesses.
Most infections are mild, typically last 2 to 5 days, but severe cases can
occur in infants (<12 months), older adults, and people with comorbidities
such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and chronic
respiratory disease.
Key symptoms to watch for:
Flu like Symptoms
- Cough
- Fever
- Nasal
congestion - Sore
Throat
In severe cases, hMPV
can lead to complications such as
- Shortness
of breath - Wheezing
- Pneumonia.
How is it Spread?
HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or
sneezes, or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Protecting Yourself
and Others
Here
are some simple yet effective steps to reduce your risk of infection:
- Wear
a mask and maintain a distance from anyone with symptoms. - Wear
a mask if you have respiratory symptoms to protect others. - Avoid
close contact with individuals showing symptoms of a cold or flu. - Disinfect
surfaces and objects that are touched often. - Wash
your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. - Stay
informed by following updates from reputable health organizations.
What Should You Do if
You Experience Symptoms?
If you or a family member experience persistent respiratory symptoms, seek
medical advice immediately. Early diagnosis and appropriate care are crucial in
managing the virus and preventing complications.
Stay Informed
We encourage you to stay updated on HMPV and other health-related topics
through our newsletters and social media platforms. Knowledge is power when it
comes to protecting your health.
Your Health, Our
Priority
Together, let’s work towards a healthier future. If you have any questions or
would like to book an appointment, please contact us at [insert contact
information].
Reference
Medscape: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/237691-overview?form=fpf
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer scourge among women is one Gynaecological cancer that can be prevented. It has been proven that this cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which the regular male condoms may fail to prevent due to labioscrotal contact during sexual intercourse.
Cervical cancer starts by causing some characteristic changes in the cervix (pre-cancerous stage) of sexually active women. These changes may disappear with time (if the woman has a good immune system) or may continue leading to cervical cancer over time.
Advocacy is immunisation of girl child before sexual debut, then organised periodic cervical screening of ladies between ages 21 through 65 years.
Cervical screening is performed in this age group at least every 2 to 3 years with Pap smear testing or every 5 years with HPV DNA testing.
Have you been screened for cervical cancer today? ♋ please call or visit us at 1221 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, for further enquiries.
Dr Emeka Philip Igbodike, MBBS, FWACS, FMCOG, Cert MAS, MBA (Sustainability).
Consultant Gynaecologist, Obstetrician, and Minimal Access Surgeon.
