#viral load

[pandemic-info]

COVID patients breathe large amounts of virus early on - Northwestern Now

It is the first longitudinal, direct measure of the number of SARS-CoV-2 viral copies exhaled per minute over the course of the infection — from the first sign of symptoms until 20 days after. On day eight, exhaled levels of virus drop steeply, down to near the limit of detection — an average of two copies exhaled per minute. Northwestern investigators tested breath samples — collected multiple times daily from 44 individuals — over the entire course of infection to determine when a person is most infectious.

...

“The vast majority of research on viral loads over the course of a COVID-19 infection has been based on nasal or oral swabs, which measure virus in the nose or throat,” said lead study author Gregory Lane, senior research project manager in Zelano’s lab. “However, SARS-CoV-2 is spread through breath, and virus on the breath may not match virus in the nose. The dynamics of viral shedding on breath over the course of infection are poorly understood, despite the fact that this is how the virus spreads.”

See also:

[rajuerra-blog]

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild cold-like signs to severe respiratory distress. It was first identified in 2001, making it a relatively new addition to the family of viruses known to affect humans. Despite its relatively recent discovery, HMPV has since been recognized as a significant contributor to respiratory illness worldwide, particularly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the nature of HMPV, its symptoms, transmission, treatment, and prevention measures is essential to managing its impact on public health.

What is HMPV?

HMPV belongs to the Metapneumovirus genus, which is part of the Paramyxoviridae family. This family also includes other well-known respiratory viruses such as the measles virus, mumps virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HMPV, however, is genetically distinct from these other pathogens and has its own set of characteristics.

The virus primarily infects the upper and lower respiratory tract and is a leading cause of respiratory infections in infants and young children. However, adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems or underlying chronic conditions, can also be affected. In fact, similar to other respiratory viruses, HMPV is known to circulate in seasonal patterns, with outbreaks often occurring in the fall and winter months, peaking around the same time as influenza and RSV infections.

Symptoms of HMPV Infection

Infection with HMPV can present with a range of symptoms, which may vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s age, immune status, and any underlying health conditions. In children, particularly those under five years of age, HMPV is one of the leading causes of respiratory illness, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

The symptoms of HMPV infection can include:

Upper Respiratory Symptoms:

Nasal congestion

Runny nose

Coughing

Sore throat

Lower Respiratory Symptoms:

Wheezing

Shortness of breath

Rapid breathing

Chest tightness

General Symptoms:

Fever

Fatigue

Headache

While most individuals recover from HMPV infections within a week or two, some may develop more severe respiratory complications. The elderly, infants, and those with weakened immune systems or preexisting lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at greater risk for developing serious illness.

Transmission of HMPV

HMPV is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes after touching surfaces that have been exposed to the virus.

Like other respiratory viruses, HMPV is highly contagious, and outbreaks are common, particularly in settings where close contact occurs, such as schools, daycares, hospitals, and nursing homes. The virus can remain viable on surfaces for several hours, making hand hygiene and disinfecting surfaces critical in preventing transmission.

Who is at Risk?

While HMPV can infect individuals of all ages, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness or complications. These groups include:

Infants and Young Children: Infants, particularly those under one year of age, are more susceptible to severe respiratory symptoms, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In fact, HMPV is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in young children for respiratory illnesses.

Elderly Adults: Older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions such as COPD, asthma, or heart disease, are more likely to experience severe symptoms of HMPV infection.

Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems, including individuals undergoing cancer treatments or those with conditions like HIV/AIDS, are at increased risk of more severe disease.

People with Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions are also more likely to experience complications, including exacerbations of asthma or COPD.

Diagnosis of HMPV Infection

Diagnosing HMPV infection involves assessing clinical symptoms and performing laboratory tests. Given that HMPV shares symptoms with other respiratory infections like the flu, RSV, and the common cold, a detailed medical history and clinical examination are essential for diagnosis.

Laboratory tests that may be used to confirm HMPV include:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This test detects the virus's genetic material in respiratory samples, such as a nasal swab, throat swab, or sputum.

Immunofluorescence: This method identifies HMPV proteins in respiratory secretions.

Viral Culture: Although less commonly used due to the time it takes, this test grows the virus from a sample to confirm the presence of HMPV.

In some cases, chest X-rays or other imaging techniques may be used to assess the extent of lung involvement, particularly if pneumonia or bronchiolitis is suspected.

Treatment of HMPV

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV infection. Management is primarily supportive and focuses on alleviating symptoms. In most cases, individuals with mild illness recover with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and ease discomfort.

For more severe cases, especially in young children or high-risk adults, hospitalization may be necessary. Treatment options for hospitalized patients may include:

Oxygen therapy to help maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood.

Nebulized treatments to relieve wheezing or improve airflow in the lungs.

Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if the individual is unable to drink enough fluids.

Mechanical ventilation in extreme cases, where patients have difficulty breathing on their own.

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like HMPV, so they are not used unless there is a secondary bacterial infection.

Prevention of HMPV

Because there is no vaccine for HMPV, prevention relies on reducing the risk of exposure and minimizing transmission. Strategies to prevent HMPV infection include:

Good Hygiene Practices:

Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after coughing or sneezing.

Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.

Avoiding touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Respiratory Hygiene:

Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.

Disposing of tissues immediately and washing hands afterward.

Avoiding Close Contact with Sick Individuals:

Avoiding contact with individuals who are showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, particularly in high-risk settings such as hospitals or daycare centers.

Disinfecting Surfaces:

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and toys in childcare settings.

Conclusion

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important respiratory virus that can cause a range of respiratory illnesses, particularly in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for HMPV, supportive care is effective for most patients. Prevention measures, including good hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and minimizing contact with infected individuals, remain the most effective means of reducing the spread of HMPV. As more research is conducted into the virus, we may gain a better understanding of its behavior and develop better diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies to manage its impact on global health.

[fidicushiv]

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[nowstomorrow]

Very interesting study on the amount of viral particles expired throughout infection!

“The vast majority of research on viral loads over the course of a COVID-19 infection has been based on nasal or oral swabs, which measure virus in the nose or throat,” said lead study author Gregory Lane, senior research project manager in Zelano’s lab. “However, SARS-CoV-2 is spread through breath, and virus on the breath may not match virus in the nose. The dynamics of viral shedding on breath over the course of infection are poorly understood, despite the fact that this is how the virus spreads.”

“For example, if we assume the infectious dose for COVID is 300 copies, then a person who is exhaling 1,000 viral copies per minute would exhale an infectious dose in 20 seconds (highly risky in an elevator), whereas a person who is exhaling two viral copies per minute would exhale an infectious dose in about two hours (probably safe in an elevator),” Lane said. It is not yet known what an infectious dose of viral airborne particles is.

“Once you can answer the question of how many viruses you are exhaling for each day after your symptoms start, critical pieces of the puzzle of how to avoid the spread of COVID-19 fall into place,” Lane said. “This information speaks directly to when someone with COVID-19 should isolate; when they are more likely to infect other people by breathing out virus into the air around them; and when they become much less likely to spread the infection. These two pieces of information are very important for infection control and for informing public health recommendations.” The study measured virus on breath from the first day symptoms start, which is day zero. From that day until day eight, infected people exhaled lots of virus, the scientists found. The amount varied, with peaks of 1,000 viral copies a minute, but the average was high. Then, on day eight, it dropped steeply to levels that hovered around the limit of detection (about two copies a minute), with few exceptions.

[plant-bioreactor-answers]

Okay, so one of my Weird Plant Stories is a tradition among high-level engineers that began on Old Earth but has adherents in... probably every SEEDS ship. Let us call it "Spontaneous Machine-Religion." If humans are not given a religion to follow, it seems like they'll inevitably make it up and Plants HELP. No, I am not talking about out and out Plant-cults you might have heard of, but something far stranger and coming from SCIENTIFIC minds. So, some Plants are open to receiving sacrifices. I've seen it myself. What I mean is, some caught on that some Plants will have a higher output of their specific creation if the people who are watching them do something a little superstitious. This stuff always starts as pranks and jokes. The "Let's tell the guy who's a virgin that we need to prick his finger because the Plant runs on the blood of virgins" or "We need to burn this donut from our morning work-dozen at the foot of the Plant bulb on an altar to show her that she is our co-worker." Maybe they do not eat and technically do not require anything in tribute, but the Plants become USED to it. I think they develop a feeling of contentedness to their engineers this way, it makes them feel acknowledged. Because it WORKS. Whenever - down to the last Plant - a Plant that has been given little tributes stops receiving tribute for whatever reason - a hard new boss, a lack of resources, the office virgin getting a girlfriend, whatever... the Plant lowers their output. Without fail. Sometimes they even do less output than original programming or they get...finicky... and problems arise in the system. Older engineers try to tell newer ones "don't even start" with the silly altar-tribute games because once it starts, it will not end. _ R. S.

[zenon-karr]

POV you’re buddie and you find out on Chim’s phone your drunk karaoke video went viral and you called it ‘Buddie- What I like About You:

[mljxxxdaily]

fav song ever (and Until It Sleeps, Hero Of The Day, I Disappear and Welcome Home (Sanitarium) :3)

[meezer]

woke up coughing due to the sorest throat known to man

[pandemic-info]

Viral shedding by asymptomatic people may represent a subset of total infections, but uncertainty remains regarding how much they contribute to totals.

Viral shedding may antedate symptoms, usually two days.

Viral titers are highest in the earliest phases of infection, 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms, and then in the first 4-6 days of illness in patients without immunosuppression.

When Is COVID-19 the Most Contagious?

Researchers estimate that people who get infected with COVID-19 can spread it to others 2-3 days before symptoms start and are most contagious 1-2 days before they feel sick.

&

How long after exposure will you test positive for COVID-19?

Depending on which COVID-19 variant you've been exposed to, you may test positive 3-5 days later. If you've been exposed to the virus but don't have any symptoms, wait for 5 days before you get tested. If you test too early and you do have COVID-19, you may falsely test negative.

[princehendir]

This is kind of an awful thing to say but as someone who's taken A Lot of rapid tests over the last two weeks I'm starting to feel like those super-faint lines that people keep reporting on twitter is a like, skill issue

[eirianerisdar]

A little "good luck" for lunar new year for all medical professionals like me:

龍年大吉 (Good fortune in the Year of the Dragon) 生意淡薄 (May your business be thin and little) 準時收工 (Leave work on time)

[fastwalker]

so covid blisters isn't a symptom I had last time

love having atypical symptoms doctors will call you insane over if you dare to bring them up <3

[downfallofi]

I wanna be off quarantine so fucking bad but the test I took has just the faintest positive line and it made me want to punch my stupid, stupid body right in the stomach

[umbrellacorphq]

Employees are reminded that leaving food in the fridge, injecting yourself with expensive viral loads, and wearing open-toed shoes have all now been added to the conduct documentation and are not permitted.

[funnuraba]

Watching creator after creator, from professionals to twitch streamers on down, post about how they’re really weirdly sick with cold/flu and medications aren’t helping, and knowing a huge number of them have Covid that they’re gonna keep spreading for weeks after “recovering” because they have no idea they should be testing or masking