A leading GP has reassured Britons that there is no cause for alarm over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak, despite recent concerns.
Speaking to GB News, Dr Renee Hoenderkamp explained that HMPV has been "circulating for at least 15 years" and is similar to "a common cold".
"We should not be scared at all," Dr Hoenderkamp stressed, noting that current UK figures show only a marginal increase compared to last year.
The virus currently affects 4.53 per cent of cases in Britain, compared to 4.13 per cent during the same period last year.
Dr Hoenderkamp suggested the current attention stems from World Health Organisation's response, stating "you would have never known about it if the World Health Organisation hadn't become hysterical about it".
The virus typically presents with cold-like symptoms and spreads through coughing and sneezing.
Dr Hoenderkamp highlighted that flu currently poses a more significant health concern than HMPV in the UK.
"We have a much bigger problem with flu at the moment. Flu levels are about 14.5 per cent, so four to five times higher," she explained.
"These respiratory viruses can be dangerous to those who have other health conditions or have very elderly and possibly younger," Dr Hoenderkamp noted.
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She emphasised that while caution is warranted, this is unlikely to become a pandemic.
"Is this going to be the next pandemic? Well, I don't have a crystal ball, I can never say never. But I would say that common things are common - this is like a common cold," she stated.
Dr Hoenderkamp emphasised the importance of basic preventive measures against HMPV.
"We must be careful. Sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, wash our hands all of the time," she advised.
She urged those feeling unwell to avoid public spaces: "If you are feeling really grotty and you have a bad cold, don't go to a party or on the tube and spread it. Just be sensible."
However, she took a firm stance against mask-wearing as a preventive measure.
"I don't advocate for masks, because all of the evidence says that these viruses are much smaller than the holes in the masks," she explained.
She added that masks "do nothing but pollute the environment and make people scared of you."
Find Out More...
Speaking to GB News, Dr Renee Hoenderkamp explained that HMPV has been "circulating for at least 15 years" and is similar to "a common cold".
"We should not be scared at all," Dr Hoenderkamp stressed, noting that current UK figures show only a marginal increase compared to last year.
The virus currently affects 4.53 per cent of cases in Britain, compared to 4.13 per cent during the same period last year.
Dr Hoenderkamp suggested the current attention stems from World Health Organisation's response, stating "you would have never known about it if the World Health Organisation hadn't become hysterical about it".
The virus typically presents with cold-like symptoms and spreads through coughing and sneezing.
Dr Hoenderkamp highlighted that flu currently poses a more significant health concern than HMPV in the UK.
"We have a much bigger problem with flu at the moment. Flu levels are about 14.5 per cent, so four to five times higher," she explained.
"These respiratory viruses can be dangerous to those who have other health conditions or have very elderly and possibly younger," Dr Hoenderkamp noted.
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She emphasised that while caution is warranted, this is unlikely to become a pandemic.
"Is this going to be the next pandemic? Well, I don't have a crystal ball, I can never say never. But I would say that common things are common - this is like a common cold," she stated.
Dr Hoenderkamp emphasised the importance of basic preventive measures against HMPV.
"We must be careful. Sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, wash our hands all of the time," she advised.
She urged those feeling unwell to avoid public spaces: "If you are feeling really grotty and you have a bad cold, don't go to a party or on the tube and spread it. Just be sensible."
However, she took a firm stance against mask-wearing as a preventive measure.
"I don't advocate for masks, because all of the evidence says that these viruses are much smaller than the holes in the masks," she explained.
She added that masks "do nothing but pollute the environment and make people scared of you."
Find Out More...