Be vigilant about HMPV virus, influenza, and measles.

In early 2025, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the Human Metapneumoniovirus (HMPV) occurred in northern China, particularly infecting children.

Preventing respiratory illnesses during the winter and spring seasons: Be vigilant against HPV, influenza, and measles.

In early 2025, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the Human Metapneumoniovirus (HMPV) occurred in northern China, particularly infecting children.

This has raised concerns not only in China but also in neighboring countries such as India and Kazakhstan. In light of this situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised member states to maintain close surveillance of respiratory pathogens such as HMPV.

It is estimated that about 10-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV, of which a small percentage (5-16%) may develop into lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health is also closely monitoring the developments of the epidemic and directing appropriate preventive measures, especially during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Do Duy Cuong, Director of the Center for Tropical Diseases at Bach Mai Hospital, the HMPV virus, although not a new virus (first discovered in 2001), is a common cause of pneumonia and respiratory diseases, especially in children and people with weakened immune systems.

Previously, Vietnam had also recorded cases of HMPV infection, but generally the illness was not too severe for healthy individuals. The symptoms were quite similar to those of a common cold, including cough, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and usually lasted from a few days to a week.

However, for people with underlying medical conditions, children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, this virus can cause pneumonia and serious complications.

It is estimated that about 10-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV, of which a small percentage (5-16%) may develop into lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia. Therefore, although not a major threat, HMPV still needs to be monitored and prevented, especially during the winter and spring seasons.

Besides the concern about the HMPV virus, according to Dr. Cuong, influenza is a very common respiratory disease that spreads rapidly during the winter and spring seasons. It is caused by the influenza virus, with symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and can lead to serious complications, especially in children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. Seasonal influenza occurs annually in most countries and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

According to Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai from the Safpo/Potec Vaccination System, the flu vaccine is the most effective preventive measure. However, many people wonder why they still get the flu even after being vaccinated. This stems from the constant changes in flu virus strains, requiring the vaccine to be adjusted each year to protect against the flu strains circulating that year.

Therefore, annual flu vaccination is very important, especially for high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Furthermore, measles is a dangerous acute infectious disease that spreads through the respiratory tract via droplets or direct contact with nasal and throat secretions from infected individuals. Although measles can cause serious complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and other infections, it is effectively preventable with a vaccine.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, in 2024, the whole country recorded 6,725 positive cases of measles, an increase of more than 130 times compared to 2023. Children who have not been vaccinated against measles or adults with weakened antibody levels are very susceptible to the disease.

Complications from measles can be very dangerous, therefore, measles vaccination is the safest and most effective preventive measure. Parents need to ensure that children are fully vaccinated according to the schedule, and adults should also be vaccinated if they have not had measles.

With the increase in respiratory illnesses during the winter and spring seasons, preventing viral respiratory diseases such as HMPV, influenza, and measles is extremely important.

Preventive measures include maintaining a clean living environment, ensuring good ventilation, washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask when going out, especially when in contact with people who have flu-like symptoms or a cough.

Currently, there is no vaccine available for HMPV virus infection. Therefore, the main preventive measures are maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and seeking timely medical attention if symptoms appear. In particular, children should receive all necessary vaccinations, such as those against measles and influenza.

For influenza and measles, vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. However, even after vaccination, if infected, patients still need proper care and close monitoring to avoid serious complications.

During the winter and spring seasons, strengthening your health through a balanced diet, keeping warm, and getting adequate rest are also ways to boost your ability to fight off disease-causing viruses.

The Lunar New Year is a time when people travel a lot to reunite with their families, thus increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses spreading in the community. Although there are no travel restrictions recommended by the WHO, people need to raise their awareness of health protection during the winter and spring seasons. They should wear masks in crowded places, keep warm, and pay attention to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

In particular, children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions need special attention to disease prevention and adherence to preventive measures to avoid contracting dangerous infectious diseases during the cold season.

Although there have been no reported deaths related to the HMPV virus so far, proactive prevention remains the best way to protect health, especially during the upcoming Tet holiday and spring season.

In the context of epidemics and changing environmental factors, each individual needs to be aware of protecting their own health and the health of the community to limit the spread of respiratory diseases during the winter and spring seasons.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/phong-ngua-benh-ho-hap-mua-dong-xuan-canh-giac-voi-virus-hmpv-cum-va-soi-d241344.html