It’s been four years since we experienced the lockdown. A single virus brought the world to its knees, taking lives and compelling us to remain inside our homes. Ever since that lockdown, any news related to viruses or new diseases has brought an inexplicable fear into our minds. We start worrying about it, reading up on its symptoms, causes, and potential casualties.
But what we often forget is that we are stronger than before. We are now well aware of what can happen if we don’t control a virus from the beginning. As the whole world is now concerned about this new HMPV, I feel compelled to say that there is always hope. Let’s dive into understanding this HMPV.
HMPV stands for Human Metapneumovirus. This virus was discovered in 2001 and has been circulating among humans ever since. It has been recognized as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory diseases across all ages, especially among children. Since children have weaker immune systems, this virus is more common among them, and they are at a higher risk of reinfection.
The best way to protect ourselves from getting infected is by following some simple precautions:
- Wash hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid contact with surfaces or utensils that might have been used by an infected person.
- Maintain social distancing when necessary.
Governments and medical institutions are working hard to determine the severity of this virus’s spread. Unlike with COVID-19, we have data on this virus since its discovery in 2001, putting us in a much better position to tackle the problem.
We humans are fragile beings, aren’t we? The experience we had with COVID-19 taught us to be extra vigilant about new viruses. However, the truth is that such events rarely occur. Our minds are so focused on the memories of the pandemic that we often forget the struggles we endured to reach the present. We have emerged stronger as a collective, yet individually, we remain fearful.
Any news about new diseases often reignites our anxieties, and the media doesn’t help. Everywhere we see headlines like “The Next COVID-19” or “The Next Epidemic.” While these are often just catchy phrases, they bring back unpleasant memories for many of us. This constant cycle of fear does us more harm than good.
To anyone reading this: Please avoid consuming excessive or sensationalized news. Stay away from people who exaggerate situations unnecessarily. Trust our government and responsible institutions, which are already planning and preparing for any potential epidemics. As common citizens, our role is to support them—not by spreading fear or misinformation, but by staying informed and calm.
Together, we can face any challenge.
