Caring for Your Child During HMPV: Essential Dos and Don'ts
With Covid changing millions of lives, people, especially parents have become cautious of keeping their little ones safe and fit so that they have a robust immune system.
However, it is not an easy said-and-done task since children are likely to get infected. The recent scare is HMPV, which is also known as Human Metapneumovirus. So, several cases have been reported globally and hence, understanding the infection causes, symptoms and precautions becomes essential.
But what about children who have already got infected? Well, we understand that it is common for parents to get stressed in such situations but it is important to stay calm, and take precise care for children with HMPV.
In India, HMPV is responsible for around 3 percent of respiratory infections and as per estimations it leads to 10 to 12 percent of respiratory diseases in kids.
In this blog post we will discuss all important points and help parents know the best practices for managing HMPV in kids for speedy recovery.
Understanding HMPV in Children
HMPV is a viral respiratory infection, contagious from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets. Usually, the symptoms range from mild cold and lower tract infection that can be easily treated at home to severe conditions like pneumonia and bronchiolitis that may lead to hospitalization.
Even though experts believe that it is an old infection, as cases have been reported in India, parents are worried about their child’s well-being.
The virus is common amongst infants and young children due to low or developing immunity. Also, children who already have respiratory conditions like asthma, have higher probabilities of getting HMPV. Hence, parents who are aware of their child’s health condition or immunity issues need to be vigilant.
Symptoms of HMPV in Children
Some typical symptoms in children are cough, runny nose, sore throat, congestion, and fever, while the severe signs are breathing difficulty, high fever, weariness, and loss of appetite.
In case the kiddo complains of dehydration and urination problems, it is advised to consult a doctor immediately. Apart from getting infection from an ill person a child can also get sick when he comes in contact with contaminated surfaces.
Now that we comprehend the basics of the condition, it is time to analyse the Dos and Don'ts in HMPV so that if your kiddo gets infected, you are aware of the right strategies for quick and best results.
Dos: 6 Effective Care Practices
Healthcare providers believe that timely HMPV diagnosis and parent's efforts with love and care can help your little star recover without any stress.
The steps are simple, but a lack of awareness among parents poses a challenge in the recovery journey. So, here are a few practical and fruitful steps that parents should adopt:
● Ensure adequate hydration
Water works wonders in viral infections, and the best part is that one can prepare clear broths, soups, and electrolyte-rich drinks to ensure hydration. Parents must keep an eye on and remind the little one to take frequent sips throughout the day.
● Provide balanced nutrition
Whenever children fall sick, they lose energy and become fragile, making them agitated. Hence, in such a situation, parents should provide balanced nutrition to fill in the energy void.
● Maintain a comfortable and clean environment
To manage the little cranky soul, parents should put in all efforts to make him feel comfortable. Also, maintaining cleanliness in the home is requisite so that the infection does not spread to other family members.
● Encourage rest and sleep
Rest and sleep are the pathways to quick recovery. Hence, it is important to make sure that the child does not exert himself, takes ample requests during the day, and sleeps well during the night. It boosts the immune system and releases good hormones that help the body fight against HMPV.
● Use over-the-counter medications appropriately
Consulting a doctor and taking prescribed medications on time is a must during HMPV to manage fever. Also, it will help keep the child calm and boost speedy recovery.
● Monitor symptoms regularly
Children cannot express the problem and pain so parents should be extra cautious watching the symptoms for timely action. In case of severe problems like rapid breathing, high fever, or uneasiness, it is recommended to visit a doctor or hospital.
Don'ts: 5 Practices to Avoid
Caring for a child with HMPV becomes easy when one is aware of what needs to be avoided in this condition. Here are some main pointers or big no’s that parents should know and incorporate during this time:
● Avoid giving aspirin to children
Experts advise parents to avoid aspirin for kiddos less than 16 years of age as it is believed that the medicine can lead to Reye’s Syndrome.
● Do not expose the child to smoke
Keep the kid away from smoke or strong fumes, as it may aggravate breathing troubles and worsen the situation further due to suffocation. Irritating the airways and lungs.
● Prevent contact with uninfected individuals
Even though children and older members are prone to getting infected, the best approach is to limit contact with all family members, irrespective of age. This will eliminate any probability of healthy people getting infected.
● Avoid using adult medications without consultation
Parents should not offer adult medicines to children since these are strong doses and may have some side effects on their health.
● Do not force the child to eat if they lack appetite
HMPV hits the child’s appetite, and he may take time to get back into the eating routine. In such conditions, it is essential that parents do not overfeed the little one forcefully, as this would only worsen the condition. Make easy-to-digest yet yummy food for the child.
Preventing the Spread of HMPV
We always believe that prevention is better than cure, so every parent should take precautions to avoid the spread of HMPV in the house. It may seem to be a challenge, but it takes a few small steps to achieve the goal effortlessly.
● Proper hand hygiene practices
For any contagious infection, maintaining hygiene is the best approach. Parents should not only encourage the child to wash hands frequently, but each member of the family should practice the same. This will not only help keep personal hygiene but also ensure restricted exposure to every contagious infection in the house.
● Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
Keeping the house clean and tidy is paramount so that the surfaces remain free of infection-causing viruses and bacteria. Therefore, using a child-safe surface disinfectant to clean surfaces, door handles, platforms, and the child’s playing area is essential.
● Educating family members about precautions
Keeping the child and family members safe calls for a collective effort from everyone in the house. Hence, it is necessary that everyone follows a strict regime and puts in efforts to take care of the child and give him care and love.
When to Seek Medical Attention
We know no parent wants their child to fall sick, but despite practicing all preventive measures, there may be chances of the little one catching an infection from someone.
If the symptoms get worse and the child suffers from persistent high fever, diarrhoea, or breathing issues, it is suggested to connect with the pediatrician and know how to care for a child with HMPV at home.
A doctor is the best person to share tips and manage the worsening condition efficiently. If there is no improvement in the child’s condition even after consultation, parents should admit the child to a hospital to keep the child under expert surveillance for better results and control over the condition.
Key Takeaways
Even though there is a scare in the media about HMPV cases being reported, parents should not panic. Rather, they should be aware of the measures and care for quick recovery. The aim should be to keep the child safe from infection with prevention.
If the kiddo still gets infected, give him time, rest, love, and care, along with prescribed treatment. The team at R for Rabbit recommends to keep in touch with the healthcare provider and share updates in case the signs do not improve with time.
