As Crisis Escalates in China, Locals Rush to Stock Up on Xofluza Which is Not Effective Against Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 10, 2025 8 hours, 5 minutes ago
Medical News:
Growing Concerns as Cases Surge
China is grappling with an escalating health crisis as infections from human metapneumovirus (HMPV) rise sharply across the country. The virus, which primarily affects the respiratory system, has sent shockwaves through communities, prompting a surge in demand for antiviral medications. Pharmacies are witnessing a rush for drugs like Xofluza, a treatment typically used for influenza, as locals scramble for solutions to what appears to be a worsening epidemic.
https://radaronline.com/p/pharmacies-flooded-with-panic-gripped-crowds-rushing-to-stock-up-on-miracle-pills-to-stave-off-deadly-hmpv-virus/
As Crisis Escalates in China, Locals Rush to Stock Up on Xofluza Which is Not Effective Against Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Hospitals are overwhelmed, with patient numbers skyrocketing and outpatient clinics seeing ever-lengthening queues. Particularly vulnerable are infants and the elderly, with reports suggesting a growing number of severe cases and fatalities within these groups. The Chinese government, along with the World Health Organization (WHO), has downplayed the crisis and have maintained that the situation is a seasonal uptick in infections, exacerbated by cooler weather. However, the visible strain on healthcare facilities and the severity of the symptoms have left many unconvinced.
Local doctors and researchers suspect that a new, more virulent subtype of HMPV could be driving the surge.
HMPV is known for its ability to evolve, frequently spawning new subtypes and lineages.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/in-2021-new-hmpv-variants-emerged-in-spain-drove-disease-severity-yet-no-genomic-surveillance-of-what-is-happening-today
This adaptability makes it challenging to develop long-lasting vaccines or antivirals.
Preliminary data from some research teams hint at this possibility, although no official publications or announcements have been made.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/emerging-novel-lineages-of-human-metapneumovirus-in-china-mark-the-start-of-2025
This
Medical News report aims to shed light on the unfolding situation, providing clarity on the virus, its treatment challenges, and the public’s response.
Misguided Reliance on Xofluza
In the absence of clear guidance, many Chinese citizens are turning to antivirals like Xofluza, hoping it might offer protection or relief. Xofluza, or baloxavir marboxil, is a medication specifically designed to treat influenza A and B. First approved in Japan and the United
States in 2018, it works by inhibiting the virus’s replication process, effectively shortening the duration of flu symptoms by about a day. However, Xofluza is not without its drawbacks. It has been criticized for its susceptibility to resistance, with mutations in influenza strains rendering it ineffective in many cases.
Despite its limitations, Xofluza’s foreign origin has contributed to its popularity among Chinese consumers. Many believe that imported drugs are of higher quality and efficacy, leading to a spike in demand. Unfortunately, Xofluza is entirely ineffective against HMPV, which is a different virus from influenza. This underscores the public’s lack of awareness and highlights the need for better education about the nature of the virus and its treatment options.
What Is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus, first identified in 2001, is a respiratory virus that primarily affects young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms range from mild, cold-like illnesses to severe respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia. While it shares some similarities with other respiratory viruses, HMPV is distinct and requires its own targeted treatments and interventions.
As of now, there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for HMPV, leaving healthcare providers to focus on supportive care and symptom management.
Searching for Solutions
In the face of limited options, researchers worldwide are exploring potential treatments. Preliminary studies suggest that certain existing, herbs, phytochemicals and supplements might hold promise against HMPV.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/probenecid-shows-promise-against-respiratory-virus-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/chlorpromazine-found-to-inhibit-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv-by-blocking-virus-internalization
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/russian-antiviral-drug-ingavirin-found-effective-against-human-metapneumovirus-insights-from-a-2012-study
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/columbia-university-study-finds-that-the-phytochemical-ginkgolic-acid-can-inhibit-human-metapneumovirus-infectivity
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/the-phytochemical-gamma-fagarine-from-the-root-of-zanthoxylum-bungeanum-is-an-effective-antiviral-against-hmpv
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/phytochemicals-from-marine-algae-offer-hope-in-combating-hmpv-infections
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/medical-news-saudia-arabia-study-finds-that-quercetin-inhibits-cytokine-release-and-suppresses-viral-load-in-hmpv-infection
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/iota-carrageenan-derived-from-red-seaweed-inhibits-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv-infections
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/obatoclax-and-emetine-found-to-inhibit-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/israeli-scientist-develop-oral-formulation-involving-ionophoric-polyphenols-with-zinc-ions-to-combat-respiratory-viruses-including-hmpv
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/polish-study-finds-that-synthetic-sulfonated-derivatives-of-poly-allylamine-hydrochloride-can-inhibit-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv
However, detailed clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety before they can be widely recommended. In the meantime, the public’s reliance on influenza medications like Tamiflu and Xofluza underscores the desperation and confusion surrounding this crisis.
Thailand
Medical News has developed two safe treatment protocols..one for adults and one for children involved natural plant lectins in combination with 3 types of phytochemicals and an amino acid to be used alongside two repurposed drugs and will be releasing an article on it soon.
The Bigger Picture
The situation in China serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness in the face of emerging infectious diseases. The lack of effective antivirals and vaccines for HMPV highlights a significant gap in global healthcare infrastructure. It also emphasizes the need for clear communication from health authorities to prevent misinformation and panic-driven behaviors, such as stockpiling ineffective medications.
Conclusion
The escalating HMPV crisis in China has sparked widespread fear and confusion, leading many to turn to ineffective treatments like Xofluza. While efforts are underway to understand and combat the virus, the situation underscores the critical need for ongoing research and public education. For now, healthcare providers and governments must focus on transparency and ensuring access to supportive care.
For the latest HMPV News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/doctors-warn-that-hmpv-can-trigger-deaths-in-children-with-covid-19
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/human-metapneumovirus-hmpv-exhibits-ocular-tropism-and-can-infect-the-eyes
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/californian-study-confirms-hpmv-is-neurotropic-and-causes-cns-issues-like-febrile-seizures-and-fatal-encephalitis-in-children
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/doctors-in-brazil-warns-that-hmpv-can-cause-severe-pneumonia-even-in-healthy-adults
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/french-researchers-warn-that-hmpv-infections-could-possibly-cause-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-like-lymphocytosis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/hmpv-human-metapneumovirus
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