NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday reported that many Northern Hemisphere countries were experiencing a seasonal rise in acute respiratory infections, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV). This pattern is typical for this time of year and is primarily due to seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other common respiratory viruses, including hMPV, as well as Mycoplasma pneumonia.
“Many countries conduct routine surveillance for acute respiratory infections and common respiratory pathogens. Currently, in some countries in the temperate Northern hemisphere, influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or acute respiratory infection (ARI) rates have increased in recent weeks and are above baseline levels, following usual seasonal trends,” the organisation said.
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“Based on the expected increase in respiratory infections during the winter season, countries, including China, have been providing health messages to the public on how to prevent the spread of respiratory infections and reduce the impact of disease,” it said in its report.
Risk assessment and precaution
In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics of common respiratory pathogens, including influenza, occur often during winter periods.
The observed increases in acute respiratory infections and associated pathogen detections in many countries in the Northern hemisphere in recent weeks is expected at this time of year and is not unusual, the WHO said.
WHO recommended that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable.
People with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest. People at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible.
Individuals should also consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practice regular handwashing, and get recommended vaccines as per physician and local public health authorities’ advice.
