Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) vs Covid-19: How the Two Viruses Differ and Why It Matters

The recent Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China and India raised concerns about the virus. With mild to severe symptoms, people infected with HMPV may require serious medical assistance. Although this virus has been living with us since the 1970s, it was discovered by Van Den Hoogen and her team members in 2001 in the Netherlands. 

The mild symptoms of this virus are similar to the common cold and flu. Whereas, severe symptoms may look like COVID-19. These similarities created more confusion and made the detection of HMPV infection difficult. We have covered everything you need to know about HMPV, with the similarities and differences between this virus and COVID-19.

Understanding The HMPV

Due to the similarities in symptoms, there is a rumor that HMPV is another variant of COVID-19. This is a pure rumor and not a fact. HMPV is a respiratory virus that falls under the Pneumoviridae family. This virus primarily shows symptoms like cold and flu, but originally HMPV caused infection and blockage in the respiratory tracts of the patients. This is why HMPV infection can result in shortness of breath and fatal respiratory problems.

People Are At Risk and Their Symptoms

People infected with HMPV face symptoms like the common cold and flu at first. However, the symptoms are different among populations of different age groups and medical conditions. Infants, kids under 14 years, elders 60 years and above, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people fall under the most vulnerable population category for this virus. 

Infants and children

The most vulnerable population is infants and young children under 14 years of age. The symptoms of this age group infected with HMPV are stubborn high fever with persistent cough and cold, wheezing, breathlessness, and inability to feed or hydrate infants.

Adults and The Elderly Population

In adults, the symptoms of HMPV mostly look like common flu. Mild to high fever with cough and nose congestion are the most common symptoms. Few people may experience sore throats, body aches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If someone is facing severe shortness of breath, then hospitalization is advisable. It may be a symbol of developing Pneumonia or pulmonary diseases. 

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are also vulnerable and their symptoms are almost the same as other adults. They may experience severe respiratory problems that could be fatal for the mothers and the baby.

Immunocompromised People

Immunocompromised people and people with other medical conditions like COPD and other pulmonary diseases, are more prone to develop severe symptoms of HMPV. Besides, fever, nasal congestion, and breathlessness, they often develop other pulmonary infections like Pneumonia, bronchiolitis, etc. 

How It Spreads

• The HMPV virus spreads through respiratory droplets while someone talks and coughs.

• Airborne particles also bring the HMPV virus, especially in closed environments with poor ventilation.

• HMPV virus can stay alive on surfaces and spread through touch.

• Direct physical contact with an infected person may cause the faster spread of the virus.

Comparison Between COVID-19 and HMPV

The HMPV virus and COVID-19 seem similar but they are different genetically and fatality-wise. The similarities are confusing and delay the exact detection of HMPV infection. 

Similarities

• Spread: Both spread through air particles, respiratory droplets, surface contaminations, and direct contact with the infected person.

• Symptoms: Preliminary symptoms of HMPV and COVID-19 viruses are fever, cough, and nasal congestion. Few patients also experience shortness of breath in both viral infections.

• Infection Possibility: Population of all age groups can be infected by both viruses.

• Precaution: You should maintain proper hygiene by using sanitizers, masks, handwashing, etc., as a precautionary measure.

Differences

• Speed: The COVID-19 infections were vast and faster. HMPV infection spread is slower than COVID-19.

• Spectrum of Effects: The COVID-19 infection, affects infected bodies in a broader spectrum. It can damage several body parts and interrupt multiple body functions together including lung function. Whereas, the HMPV virus mostly attacks pulmonary tracts.

• Fatality: The COVID-19 virus is more fatal as it can affect multiple body functions. On the other hand, the HMPV virus is not very fatal. However, it can be life-threatening for infants and people with poor immunity. 

Conclusion

A rumor was spread about the fatality of the HMPV virus due to its similarities with COVID-19 INFECTIONS. However, in reality, the HMPV virus is often not fatal, and its symptoms can be treated with early detection. The HMPV virus contributes only 4 to 16% of respiratory problems worldwide. As the symptoms of both viruses are similar, they need specific tests to detect the HMPV virus precisely. If you or any of your family or friends are showing symptoms like HMPV and COVID-19, then do not panic. Consult a doctor and go for the HMPV detection tests immediately. Early detection will help avoid complications for both viral infections.