Breaking news: Thousands of people have been hit by this virus! Are you at risk?
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Have you noticed that people are getting sick more often lately?
As a member of the SDC, your health and safety are our top priority. We feel compelled to bring to your attention a potentially deadly virus spreading in one state.
A new report reveals that an increasing number of NSW residents are showing symptoms of the Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV).
‘The virus you’ve never heard of but a virus that all of us have almost certainly had,’ shared Dr Nick Coatsworth on the 2GB radio station.
‘It’s one of the common cold viruses that circulate every single year and NSW seems to be experiencing a notable rise in cases currently.’
Last week, NSW health data showed that more than 1100 individuals tested positive for the respiratory illness.
This figure is a 15 per cent growth from the cases reported in the prior week.
Highlighting the significant increase over the past month, only 383 instances were noted in the week concluding on 13 August.
The NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, expressed concern, noting a ‘resurgence of respiratory viruses’.
‘We’ve now seen an uptick in flu, RSV, and hMPV is yet another virus,’ she explained to the media on Wednesday.
While there isn't a specific treatment for hMPV yet, Dr Chant strongly advises the public to return to the primary preventive practices established during the pandemic.
‘Stay away from workplaces and crowded places when you’ve got any viral infections and stay home if you can,’ she added.
hMPV symptoms resemble the common cold, characterised by a cough, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and fever.
In severe cases, hMPV can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems and other vulnerable groups.
However, Dr Coatsworth mentioned that an increase in cases during this season is normal. Still, being cautious and monitoring symptoms is always encouraged.
‘Usually, that happens when you have a change of season, we see some of these non-Covid respiratory viruses when we go from winter through to spring.’
Last week in NSW, there were over 1400 reported cases of the flu and 436 instances of Respiratory Syncytial Virus or (RSV).
RSV is a virus that often leads to respiratory infections, especially in children and the elderly, with symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and fever.
While the rhinovirus remains the main cause of the common cold in health department tests, hMPV's presence is on the rise, now accounting for 4.6% of the total cases.
Some health tips against the hMPV virus
Members, how are you? Are you staying safe and healthy amid these kinds of virus outbreaks? Share your protection strategies in the comments!
As a member of the SDC, your health and safety are our top priority. We feel compelled to bring to your attention a potentially deadly virus spreading in one state.
A new report reveals that an increasing number of NSW residents are showing symptoms of the Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV).
There's a 10% mortality rate for hMPV infections in hospitals. Image source: Pixabay
‘The virus you’ve never heard of but a virus that all of us have almost certainly had,’ shared Dr Nick Coatsworth on the 2GB radio station.
‘It’s one of the common cold viruses that circulate every single year and NSW seems to be experiencing a notable rise in cases currently.’
Last week, NSW health data showed that more than 1100 individuals tested positive for the respiratory illness.
This figure is a 15 per cent growth from the cases reported in the prior week.
Highlighting the significant increase over the past month, only 383 instances were noted in the week concluding on 13 August.
The NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, expressed concern, noting a ‘resurgence of respiratory viruses’.
‘We’ve now seen an uptick in flu, RSV, and hMPV is yet another virus,’ she explained to the media on Wednesday.
While there isn't a specific treatment for hMPV yet, Dr Chant strongly advises the public to return to the primary preventive practices established during the pandemic.
‘Stay away from workplaces and crowded places when you’ve got any viral infections and stay home if you can,’ she added.
A sneeze can create 20,000 virus-containing droplets that can stay in the air for up to 10 minutes. Image source: Pixabay
hMPV symptoms resemble the common cold, characterised by a cough, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and fever.
In severe cases, hMPV can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems and other vulnerable groups.
However, Dr Coatsworth mentioned that an increase in cases during this season is normal. Still, being cautious and monitoring symptoms is always encouraged.
‘Usually, that happens when you have a change of season, we see some of these non-Covid respiratory viruses when we go from winter through to spring.’
RSV is a virus that often leads to respiratory infections, especially in children and the elderly, with symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and fever.
While the rhinovirus remains the main cause of the common cold in health department tests, hMPV's presence is on the rise, now accounting for 4.6% of the total cases.
Some health tips against the hMPV virus
- Eat well. Add fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats, and grains to your diet to boost your immune system.
- Exercise regularly. Aim for roughly two and a half hours of activity each week to maintain a fit body and strong muscles.
- Relax and unwind. Whether you're listening to music or practising deep breathing exercises, find ways to de-stress and remain calm.
- Prioritise sleep. If sleeping becomes a challenge, don't hesitate to seek medical assistance.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated but also aids your body in warding off illnesses.
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