Fight HMPV with hydration and nutrition, expert says antibiotics have no role
New Delhi: Antibiotics play no role in the treatment of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory disease currently witnessing a mild upsurge in the country, former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria said on Tuesday, asking people to maintain good hydration and eat nutritious foods. . Speaking to IANS, Guleria, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta Gurugram, said the virus is not new and causes only mild infection.
“HMPV is not new, it is an old virus. It’s been there for a while. Viruses usually cause mild illness, but at extreme ages, in infants, young children, and older people or those with comorbidities, they can cause pneumonia, in young people and older people, which can lead to problems respiratory, as well as hospitalization,” Guleria said. .
“The virus itself is usually self-limiting and you only need symptomatic treatment. Take fever medication, stay hydrated and eat a good diet,” he added, while asking people to avoid going to crowded places to curb the spread of infection.
So far, all cases have been detected in young children aged 3 months to 13 years. However, it can occur in anyone because it is a droplet infection like the flu, the doctor explained. “Treatment is mainly symptomatic. It is necessary to maintain good hydration, paracetamol or any medication to reduce fever and aches. And if you have other symptoms like cough and cold, an anti-allergy medication can be taken to reduce your allergic symptoms like cold and cough,” said the famous pulmonologist.
