Azerbaijan's Health Ministry issues warning on metapneumovirus as flu season hits

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan, metapneumovirus, a seasonal flu-like respiratory illness, is widely spread worldwide and is one of the common causes of ARVI. 

Ministry noted that, the situation remains concerning, particularly in countries like China, Kazakhstan, and Russia, where there is an unstable epidemiological situation regarding the metapneumovirus, Caliber.Az reports.

"Each year, from December to March, seasonal flu and other ARVI strains spread across the Northern Hemisphere. It manifests through symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath, and hoarseness, typical of many other ARVIs," the statement reads.

The Ministry further highlighted that the virus primarily affects young children and those with weakened immune systems. "The infection typically develops in the upper respiratory tract and, like other viral diseases, usually resolves within 7–10 days. However, in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, such as bronchial asthma or chronic lung diseases, it can lead to complications like bronchitis or pneumonia."

In light of these concerns, the Health Ministry is advising the public to take precautions. "To protect the health of the population and prevent infection, we recommend that particularly vulnerable individuals wear personal protective equipment (medical masks) at public events and in crowded places, maintain hand hygiene, and incorporate vitamin-rich foods into their daily diet," the statement continued.

For those exhibiting any respiratory symptoms, the Ministry urges individuals to undergo symptomatic treatment at home. "People at higher risk of respiratory viral infections should consider getting vaccinated against the flu," it added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev