Riya Baibhawi

HMPV Virus: Breathing Exercises For Children And Teens

Breathing Exercises For Kids

The recent surge in Human Metapneumovirus (<span>HMPV</span>) in China has sent shockwaves across the world. While the virus has existed since 2001, its cases saw an uptick earlier this month. At present, HMPV has spread beyond China, infecting people in India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, the UK, China, and Hong Kong. Children are one particular group that is particularly susceptible to this infection. Therefore, it is important to strengthen their lungs and respiratory system. 

<h2>Here Are A Few Breathing Exercises That Can Help Your Kids And Teen Grow</h2>

Imagine holding a warm, freshly baked cookie. Inhale through your nose to enjoy the aroma of chocolate chips or vanilla, then exhale gently as if cooling the cookie. This is best for children up to age 5. 

<strong>2. Smell the Rose, Blow Out Candle</strong>

Hold an imaginary rose in one hand and a candle in the other. Inhale deeply through your nose as if smelling the rose, then exhale slowly through your mouth to blow out the candle. Like the previous ones, this exercise is also best for toddlers and children up to 5 years. 

Extend one hand and use the index finger of the other hand to trace up and down each finger. Breathe in as you trace upward and exhale as you trace downward. Repeat for all five fingers. This exercise works best for older adults and teens. 

Place your hands on your belly and inhale deeply for four seconds, feeling your stomach expand. Hold your breath for seven seconds, then exhale slowly for eight seconds. Smaller children can start by inhaling for three seconds and exhaling for three. “Don’t force belly breathing if it doesn’t come naturally,” Silverstein cautioned, as it could lead to hyperventilation. 

This asks individuals to pause periodically to engage their senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. This works best for people of all age groups. As per health experts, all senses act as anchors and thus this exercise can act on people of all ages. 

<h2>Which Countries Are Effected By Human Metapneumovirus?</h2>

Countries like India and the United Kingdom(UK) have reported seasonal increases in infection since 2024. India has reported seven confirmed cases of HMPV across several states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and <span>Tamil Nadu</span>.

In the UK, between December 23 and 29 last year, some 4.5 per cent of lab-tested samples were positive for HMPV, a slight increase from the previous week. In comparison, 29.5 percent were positive for influenza, and 2.5 per cent for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has been reported to have seen a surge in HMPV cases, with several outlets saying that the country saw 327 cases in 2024, 45 per cent more than the previous year. However, the Malaysian government has not recently report this figure; a recent statement said nothing about HMPV specifically.

The <span>Ministry of Health</span> of the Republic of Kazakhstan has reported cases of HMPV as part of an expected seasonal rise of respiratory illnesses including flu. The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control reported 30 cases of HMPV during the current flu season. 

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The recent surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has sent shockwaves across the world. While the virus has existed since 2001, its cases saw an uptick earlier this month. At present, HMPV has spread beyond China, infecting people in India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, the UK, China, and Hong Kong. Children are one particular group that is particularly susceptible to this infection. Therefore, it is important to strengthen their lungs and respiratory system. Here Are A Few Breathing Exercises That Can Help Your Kids And Teen Grow1. Cookie BreathingImagine holding a warm, freshly baked cookie. Inhale through your nose to enjoy the aroma of chocolate chips or vanilla, then exhale gently as if cooling the cookie. This is best for children up to age 5. 2. Smell the Rose, Blow Out CandleHold an imaginary rose in one hand and a candle in the other. Inhale deeply through your nose as if smelling the rose, then exhale slowly through your mouth to blow out the candle. Like the previous ones, this exercise is also best for toddlers and children up to 5 years. 3. Take-Five BreathingExtend one hand and use the index finger of the other hand to trace up and down each finger. Breathe in as you trace upward and exhale as you trace downward. Repeat for all five fingers. This exercise works best for older adults and teens. 4. Belly BreathingPlace your hands on your belly and inhale deeply for four seconds, feeling your stomach expand. Hold your breath for seven seconds, then exhale slowly for eight seconds. Smaller children can start by inhaling for three seconds and exhaling for three. “Don’t force belly breathing if it doesn’t come naturally,” Silverstein cautioned, as it could lead to hyperventilation. 5. Five Senses ExerciseThis asks individuals to pause periodically to engage their senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. This works best for people of all age groups. As per health experts, all senses act as anchors and thus this exercise can act on people of all ages. Which Countries Are Effected By Human Metapneumovirus?Countries like India and the United Kingdom(UK) have reported seasonal increases in infection since 2024. India has reported seven confirmed cases of HMPV across several states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.In the UK, between December 23 and 29 last year, some 4.5 per cent of lab-tested samples were positive for HMPV, a slight increase from the previous week. In comparison, 29.5 percent were positive for influenza, and 2.5 per cent for COVID-19.Meanwhile, Malaysia has been reported to have seen a surge in HMPV cases, with several outlets saying that the country saw 327 cases in 2024, 45 per cent more than the previous year. However, the Malaysian government has not recently report this figure; a recent statement said nothing about HMPV specifically.The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan has reported cases of HMPV as part of an expected seasonal rise of respiratory illnesses including flu. The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control reported 30 cases of HMPV during the current flu season. 