PULSE YOUR HEALTH

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an often-overlooked virus that can lead to a range of respiratory illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe pneumonia. Despite its significant impact, HMPV is less widely known compared to other viruses like the flu or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). In this blog post, we’ll dive into what HMPV is, how it spreads, the diseases it causes, and the steps to protect yourself and others from it. What is HMPV? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus in the Paramyxoviridae family, first identified in 2001. It primarily affects the respiratory system and is closely related to other respiratory viruses like RSV and the human parainfluenza virus. Although it was discovered relatively recently, HMPV is actually quite common and can cause a variety of illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. How Does HMPV Spread? HMPV is transmitted through respiratory droplets when ...

The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms. While most people recover within a week or two, the flu can be serious for young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions. What is flu? The flu, also known as influenza, is an infectious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It's important to distinguish between the flu and the stomach "flu," which is caused by a different virus and typically causes diarrhea and vomiting.   The flu is highly contagious and spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also catch the flu by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face. Here are some key characteristics of the flu: Symptoms:  Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, runny or stuffy n...

  Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a severe coughing fit. It can affect people of any age, but it is especially dangerous for young children, who may have trouble breathing, vomit, or even die from complications. Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis , which attaches to the cilia (tiny hair-like structures) that line the respiratory tract. The bacteria produce toxins that damage the cilia and make it hard to clear mucus and other secretions from the lungs. This leads to inflammation, irritation, and a persistent cough. Symptoms of Whooping Cough The symptoms of whooping cough usually appear about 7 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, but they can take up to 21 days to develop. The infection has three stages: The first stage, called the catarrhal stage, lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. It is similar to a common cold, with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and...