Metapneumovirus poses a risk to children, but wearing masks is unnecessary, according to an infectious disease specialist's warning.

Blood tests of Ukrainians will reveal that metapneumovirus in Ukraine is not a new infection but a well-known disease recognized since the 1950s and 60s. 99% of school-aged children have already encountered this infection, while it poses some danger to newborns. How to prevent metapneumovirus infection and how to treat it were discussed by infectious disease specialist, top-category physician, and associate professor Yuri Sukhov during a broadcast on the "Kyiv 24" TV channel.

Metapneumovirus in Ukraine — Insights from the Infectious Disease Specialist

Sukhov warned that metapneumovirus poses a risk to certain groups of people in Ukraine. According to him, the following groups are at risk of complications:

• children under one year old (99% of schoolchildren have already been infected). The infectious disease specialist cautioned that metapneumovirus is "particularly dangerous" for children under one;
• people with cancer;
• the elderly;
• individuals with severe comorbidities.

During the broadcast, the channel also outlined safety measures to help protect health from the illness: maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and ventilating rooms. The infectious disease specialist provided several additional recommendations:

• it's unnecessary to wear masks outdoors in cold weather, as "the mask can even be harmful";
• it is advisable to wear a mask if you need to be in the same room with potentially infected individuals;
• one should not "tread" the illness, as this can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if you become ill, it is better to stay home and consult a doctor;
• if inhalers or nebulizers are available, "inhalation therapy" can be conducted at home;
• if oxygen devices are available, they are also permitted for oxygen therapy, which is typically administered for "any viral illness affecting the respiratory tract".

New Chinese Virus — Has it Existed Before and Will There Be a New Epidemic?

The infectious disease specialist explained that citizens should not be overly concerned about metapneumovirus in Ukraine, as this illness has existed before. As evidence, he suggested getting a blood test to confirm that most people are familiar with it. This is not a new Chinese virus, as it has been present and circulating for a long time. At the same time, the doctor noted that this type of illness has two peaks. The first peak occurs in late November to early December, and the second peak is in late spring, in May.

"Based on samples collected 50-60 years ago, metapneumovirus has been around since the 1950s. Metapneumovirus, respiratory viruses, and influenza were present; people were ill back then too," Sukhov remarked.

It is worth mentioning that on January 6, the Center for Public Health reported the main symptoms of metapneumovirus. The symptoms are similar to those of influenza: runny nose, cough, and fever. Officials also explained that one can protect themselves by frequently washing hands and avoiding contact with those who are sick.

Meanwhile, on December 5, a post by epidemiologist Olga Golubovska appeared on Facebook. She stated that metapneumovirus in Ukraine is already present, with 13 cases identified, but there may be more. Additionally, the doctor explained that in some cases, the illness can have a severe course. On the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, one can learn that the disease spreads through respiratory droplets, through touch, or by coming into contact with objects that the infected person has handled.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may impact your health. If you have health concerns, please consult a specialist.