2024: A Look Back at an “Unusual” Year
December 17, 2024
Symptoms that occur within 3-6 days of
exposure include runny nose, sneezing,
fever, wheezing, decrease in appetite,
coughing which can progress to bronchitis
or pneumonia.
1. Ill people should isolate from others as much as possible.
2. Provide supportive care for “cold-like symptoms” as directed by medical professionals.
3. Seek medical attention if symptoms do not resolve in a week or two or become more serious.
4. Practice “respiratory hygiene” – covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
5. Wash hands with soap and water; use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap/water not available.
6. Clean and disinfect hard surfaces that may be contaminated with respiratory droplets from an
infected person.
Why the increase now?
It’s speculated that with relaxation of COVID prevention strategies (e.g., mask wearing and
physical distancing), the low levels of HMPV that typically circulate have been able to take off.