Everyone is talking about it — the new virus
Published: 05:01 PM,Jan 06,2025 | EDITED : 09:01 PM,Jan 06,2025
What’s on your mind?
Ask this question to anyone, or listen in to an ongoing conversation, and you will soon hear the topic is on HMPV, Human Metapneumovirus. The outbreak and its news have created alarm throughout the world because the world is going through the syndrome of 'once bitten, twice shy.' According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus was first discovered in 2001, but there is evidence that it might have been circulating even before that. It can cause respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Naturally, the ones most prone to it are the young, the elderly, and those whose immunity might have been affected by other health issues. It is likely we will become more alert about washing hands, avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms. Covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing will also be emphasised. And what about disposable glasses, plates and cups?
Maybe we just need more environmentally friendly alternatives. The fear has set in. I remember my friend telling me about it, and I thought to myself, 'We have just begun the new year.'
Does this mean we will be more cautious in crowded places? Will masks and hand sanitisers become trendy again?
The fear has surfaced again. Resilience is what we need, but our minds harbour many doubts. We have begun to Google and research the virus. What we need is awareness. We will probably work on our immunity again and revisit breathing exercises.
The world is changing, and just when we think we have seen it all, surprises arise. This is all the more reason for us to stand up and face challenges.
What we also need is mental strength, which starts with controlling our thoughts. We learnt that last time around. Mental health experts told us that we were being overexposed to information and that sometimes we cannot detach from negative thoughts.
We learnt then, and we know now, that we need to embrace nature. It is not just the information we read, but sometimes the images we encounter in life haunt us even at a subconscious level.
The link between sleep and immune function is of great importance. Many suffer from sleepless nights, carrying the exhaustion that leads to other problems. The chain is endless.
We must remember to read and talk for awareness, but not let concern dominate our minds and thoughts.
A peaceful mind might be just what the doctor prescribes for now. Anxiety will not help, but faith can provide inner strength.
Ask this question to anyone, or listen in to an ongoing conversation, and you will soon hear the topic is on HMPV, Human Metapneumovirus. The outbreak and its news have created alarm throughout the world because the world is going through the syndrome of 'once bitten, twice shy.' According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus was first discovered in 2001, but there is evidence that it might have been circulating even before that. It can cause respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Naturally, the ones most prone to it are the young, the elderly, and those whose immunity might have been affected by other health issues. It is likely we will become more alert about washing hands, avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms. Covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing will also be emphasised. And what about disposable glasses, plates and cups?
Maybe we just need more environmentally friendly alternatives. The fear has set in. I remember my friend telling me about it, and I thought to myself, 'We have just begun the new year.'
Does this mean we will be more cautious in crowded places? Will masks and hand sanitisers become trendy again?
The fear has surfaced again. Resilience is what we need, but our minds harbour many doubts. We have begun to Google and research the virus. What we need is awareness. We will probably work on our immunity again and revisit breathing exercises.
The world is changing, and just when we think we have seen it all, surprises arise. This is all the more reason for us to stand up and face challenges.
What we also need is mental strength, which starts with controlling our thoughts. We learnt that last time around. Mental health experts told us that we were being overexposed to information and that sometimes we cannot detach from negative thoughts.
We learnt then, and we know now, that we need to embrace nature. It is not just the information we read, but sometimes the images we encounter in life haunt us even at a subconscious level.
The link between sleep and immune function is of great importance. Many suffer from sleepless nights, carrying the exhaustion that leads to other problems. The chain is endless.
We must remember to read and talk for awareness, but not let concern dominate our minds and thoughts.
A peaceful mind might be just what the doctor prescribes for now. Anxiety will not help, but faith can provide inner strength.