Metapneumovirus in Ukraine: Should Ukrainians be worried and what to do at the first symptoms?
6 January 18:49
ANALYSIS FROM 
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has responded to rumors of a metapneumovirus outbreak. The Center for Public Health emphasized that this virus circulates in Ukraine every year and usually has a mild course. However, what recommendations should Ukrainians follow, what symptoms should be considered dangerous and who should be especially careful and what to do to avoid complications?
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has stated that there is currently no outbreak of metapneumovirus, which is being actively discussed on social media.
“The situation is routine and fully controlled. Metapneumovirus is a traditional virus that circulates in Ukraine during each epidemic season. Compared to a disease such as influenza, metapneumovirus is usually much milder and very rarely causes complications,” the Center for Public Health reports.
At the same time, international media report a significant burden on hospitals in China’s northern provinces due to the virus. Some cases have already been reported in other countries, including the UK.
What is metapneumovirus and can it be dangerous?
Dr. Taras Zhyravetskyi in an exclusive commentary for
“Metapneumovirus is a well-known virus that causes mild acute respiratory infections. In very weak patients, it can cause bronchitis or pneumonia. But, in fact, we have all already encountered it. Most people have antibodies to this virus,” said Taras Zhyravetskyi.
According to the doctor, there is no specific treatment for this virus.
“There is no medicine against metapneumovirus. Flu medications do not work on it. The virus usually stays in the body for 3-5 days and goes away on its own,” Taras Zhyravetskyi
The COVID-19 pandemic could affect the general immunity of the population, the doctor says. Re-infection with COVID-19 has reduced the body’s resistance. This can affect people at risk – children, allergy sufferers, people with diabetes or other chronic diseases.
Zhyravetskyi drew attention to the symptoms that could be a signal to see a doctor.
“The temperature may be low at first, but then rise. Pneumonia or severe bronchitis are possible against the background of this virus. If you feel short of breath, sweat profusely, or have a fever that does not subside, this is a reason to see a doctor,” Taras Zhyravetskyi
Diagnosis and treatment
Zhyravetskyi said that Ukraine currently does not have the necessary reagents to confirm metapneumovirus.
“The diagnosis requires a PCR test, but there are no reagents in Ukraine yet. The Ministry of Health promises that they will appear in 2-3 weeks. Currently, such tests can only be done abroad,” Taras Zhyravetskyi
The doctor emphasized the importance of tests in case of complications. ” On the third or fourth day of illness, if there is a suspicion of pneumonia, I recommend a C-reactive protein test. If the indicator is high, this is a signal to prescribe antibiotics.
Who is at risk and is there a vaccine?
The disease can be especially severe in children with allergic diseases, asthma or atopic dermatitis. They may have exacerbations of these conditions, the doctor notes. People with overweight, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases are also at risk.
The doctor also noted that a vaccine is currently being developed.
“Moderna is working on an RNA vaccine against metapneumovirus. It has already passed the first stage of testing, but the vaccine is still under development,” Taras Zhyravetskyi
The main thing is not to panic, the doctor summarizes. Metapneumovirus is no different from other seasonal viruses. It is necessary to consult a doctor in time, especially if the illness lasts more than three days or there is a suspicion of complications.
Author – Anastasia Fedor
