The Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is an extremely uncommon viral illness that can be fatal. Humans catch the virus from infected rats and mice by inhaling their urine, droppings, or saliva. Even healthy adults can get it. Keep reading to know more about this illness and when to call our home doctor for flu symptoms in Sotogrande.
What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)?
Hantavirus can damage the heart, lungs, and other organs. Another name for this condition is hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS).
Infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva cause this illness. HPS advances rapidly. It is potentially fatal.
What does the hantavirus do to the body?
After entering the human body, the hantavirus immediately begins to replicate and spread. Because the virus causes blood vessels in the lungs to become weak and leak, it makes it difficult to breathe because the air sacs become filled with blood. The ability of the heart to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body's organs and cells can be impaired when there is damage to the heart muscle itself as well as blood vessels that are weak and leaky. When the body is deprived of oxygen and does not maintain an adequate blood pressure, it can go into shock, which can then lead to the failure of multiple organs and rapid death.
How common is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)?
The Hantavirus is an extremely uncommon virus. HPS isn't limited to immune-compromised people. It can infect anyone really. 36% of HPS cases are fatal, according to the CDC.
What are the symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)?
The progression of an infection caused by the Hantavirus is accompanied by various phases of symptoms.
The incubation period is the beginning of the disease's progression through its stages. It does not manifest itself in any way. Following infection with the virus, this stage may last for as long as eight weeks.
The second phase of early HPS symptoms appears relatively quickly after the first phase. The duration ranges anywhere from two to eight days. Among the symptoms are:
- Fever above 38.33 degrees celsius
- Aching in the muscles, most noticeably in the thighs, hips, and back
- Fatigue
- a rash (which manifests as red spots on the skin)
- abdominal discomfort, queasiness, throwing up, and diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dry hacking cough, as well as difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Chills
The third phase of symptoms typically begins anywhere from four to ten days after the onset of the early symptoms. This phase may involve very serious consequences. Internal bleeding and fluid buildup in the lungs are both possible complications of this condition.
These new developments could result in organ and respiratory problems that are potentially fatal. The following are some indications that you are moving into this phase of HPS:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Trouble breathing
When to call our home doctor for flu symptoms in Sotogrande
It is essential to start treatment for hantavirus as soon as possible after being infected. Those who have been exposed to rodent droppings and subsequently develop flu-like symptoms should get in touch with our home doctor for flu symptoms in Sotogrande as soon as possible to receive prompt treatment.
In almost every case, the disease requires patients to undergo treatment in an intensive care setting. Our home doctor for flu symptoms in Sotogrande will assess your requirements and may administer treatments such as the following:
- Oxygen therapy to assist with breathing difficulties
- Utilisation of a ventilator (in which your body is connected to a machine that forces air through your lungs)
- Fluid replacement
- Kidney dialysis to remove blood waste.
- Medication intended to elevate the patient's blood pressure
In severe cases, doctors use extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to add oxygen to your blood.