Students studying abroad are prone to numerous opportunities as well as certain challenges. This opportunity of living in student accommodation is a chapter that changes you from head to toe. However, with the recent outbreak of HMPV, students are panicking around the world.
As communal living offers endless and exciting moments, it does pose some risks, particularly during an outbreak like HMPV. At present, we know that HMPV, also known as Human Metapneumovirus, is a respiratory virus, causing mild to severe infections. With shared student rooms and close spaces, it is very important to adopt proactive measures to stay safe. This particular blog will provide you some ways to safeguard your health while living in student apartments. Let’s get in!
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Before we get into the dynamics, you must start with the basics. HMPV a.k.a Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus which affects the respiratory system. Being similar to RSV or the flu, this virus also spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and close personal contact. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fever
- Shortness of breath in severe cases
While most healthy individuals recover quickly, some of them have weak immune systems. Hence, it is important to understand how it spreads and take the right measures.
Top Ways to Prevent the Spread
As people say precaution is better than a cure. Following the saying, here are some of the top ways to prevent the spread are:
- Maintain Good Hygiene Practices: Good personal hygiene is one of the first things you must do. You can follow the following ways to minimize the risk of infection:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching anything or sneezing.
- Always keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for situations like where you don’t find soap and water.
- Refrain yourself from touching the common surface as well as your face without washing hands.
- Practice Respiratory Etiquettes: Similar to good hygiene, it is important to prevent viruses through respiratory hygiene. Hence, always do the following:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or elbow during coughing and sneezing.
- Always keep a bin near yourself to dispose of tissues.
- Make sure to wear a mask while being outside, especially if you are feeling unwell. This helps to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
- Always Keep your Room Clean and Disinfect Regularly: When you live in a shared student accommodation, keeping common surfaces clean is a necessity. You must pay extra attention to high touch areas like:
- Door handle
- Kitchen counters
- Bathroom fixtures
- Light switches
- Laundry room machines and more.
You can keep surfaces clean through disinfectant sprays or clean wipes. You can also ensure that shared appliances in a kitchen like kettles, microwaves, etc are sanitized.
- Create Good Habits: With a strong immune system, your body can fight off the virus alone. You can support your health by incorporating healthy habits like the following
- Have a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and more.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking adequate water or juices. Regular exercise helps you to keep your body moving from time to time.
- Along with exercise, it is essential to get enough sleep. At least 7 to 9 hours of sleep is necessary to keep a healthy lifestyle.
How To Manage Shared Student Housing?
While you live in shared student rooms, it is necessary to maintain the shared spaces. Some of the ways to manage your shared student accommodation include:
- Keep common areas ventilated which reduces airborne diseases. You can open windows and doors or add an air purifier to improve the quality of the air.
- Adopt to safe cooking and dining practices like:
- Wash your hands before and after preparing food.
- Clean utensils and surfaces thoroughly before use.
- Avoid sharing food or drinks with others.
- Limit social gatherings in case people are not well in the student housing. You can opt for smaller gatherings or focus more on outdoor activities.
How to Respond to Illness?
In case you see symptoms of HMPV, you must respond to it immediately. However, it is not necessary that you get HMPV as symptoms are similar to a normal flu. You must:
- Isolate yourself which is a good thing to prevent the virus.
- Inform your student housing so they can take necessary steps to prevent the same.
- You must consult a professional and not rely on the Internet for further treatment.
- Take necessary precautions and a balanced diet to be healthy enough to fight the virus. So, drink fluids, eat nourishing food, and get ample rest.
Role of Student Accommodation Management
Student housing providers play an essential role in preventing and managing outbreaks. Look for accommodations that:
- Provide regular cleaning and disinfection of communal areas.
- Offer resources such as hand sanitizers, masks, and cleaning supplies.
- Have clear policies in place for handling illnesses and outbreaks.
In short, living in student apartments doesn’t have to be a compromise on your health. You can start by adopting preventive measures, fostering good habits, promoting a healthy culture, and more. This way you can simply reduce the risk of HMPV.
Also, remember to take care of your health which will benefit and contribute to the well-being of you and your peers. So, stay proactive, stay informed, and enjoy your student life in student accommodation safely!
