What respiratory virus has everyone congested and coughed?

The story at a glance

• Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was first discovered in 2001.

• Symptoms include excessive chest congestion, horrible cough, fever and shortness of breath.

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nearly 19.6% of antigen tests and 11% of PCR tests this spring were positive for HMPV, a 36% increase from pre-pandemic figures when the rate of positivity was about 7%.

ALABAMA (AS TO) – It’s not a COVID outbreak, but lately another respiratory infection circulating is causing many people to cough and check their temperature.

Excessive chest congestion, horrible cough, fever and shortness of breath are the symptoms of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has symptoms similar to COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Despite the number of COVID and RSV case fall this springthe Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nearly 19.6% of antigen tests and 11% of PCR tests were positive for HMPV, which was first discovered in 2001. That’s a 36% increase compared to pre-pandemic figures when the positivity rate was around 7%.

While the hot summer months help cases of colds, flu and other respiratory viruses declinethe number of people suffering from HMPV is still higher than normal.

According to the CDC, the virus can cause upper and lower respiratory tract illnesses in all ages, especially young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Severe cases can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.

The estimated incubation period ranges from three to six days, and the course of HMPV may differ depending on the severity. However, the duration of illness is similar to that of other respiratory infections, such as the common cold and RSV.

While medical experts say there are no specific treatmentvaccine or antiviral therapy for HMPV, wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, do not share food or drink, refrain from kissing, and stay home if you have a disease are all encouraged.

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