Which virus is causing so many people to cough and cause traffic jams? Here’s a tip: it’s not the novel coronavirus

Alabama (WHNT) — While not a COVID-19 outbreak, another respiratory infection has been circulating recently, with many people coughing and taking their temperatures.

Excessive chest tightness, severe coughing, fever and shortness of breath constitute the symptoms. human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has symptoms similar to those of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Despite the number of new coronavirus infections, RSV Case fall this spring, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said nearly 19.6% of antigen tests and 11% of PCR tests were positive for HMPV, which was first discovered in 2001. This is a 36% increase in positivity rates from pre-pandemic figures. about 7%.

During the warm summer months, colds, flu, other respiratory viruses decreasethe number of people suffering from HMPV is still higher than normal.

According to the CDC, the virus can cause upper and lower respiratory tract disease in people of all ages, especially young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it can progress to bronchitis and pneumonia.

The estimated incubation period is 3 to 6 days, and the course of HMPV may vary depending on severity. However, the duration of the illness is similar to other respiratory infections such as the common cold and her respiratory syncytial virus.

Medical experts say there is no specific treatmentHMPV vaccine or antiviral therapy, thorough hand washing, covering mouth when coughing or sneezing, not sharing food or drink, avoiding kissing, and staying home when sick are all recommended.