What is HMPV? Is it different from COVID-19? Know symptoms and treatment

China has again scared the world with a new virus in the new year, which has been compared with COVID-19 that proved to be disastrous worldwide in 2020. Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have come up in China with social media posts showing hospitals overfilled with HMPV cases.  

The Union Health Ministry has been on alert and issued advisory; however, there’s a lot of panic on social media where comparisons with COVID-19 is being made and pictures from China being shared. What is this HMPV that is scaring the world? 

According to experts, no fatalities are caused by the virus like happened during Covid-19 but it can cause lung infection. 

What is HMPV? 

The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was discovered for the first time in 2001. It is mainly a common respiratory virus that affects the upper respiratory system but can cause infections in the lower respiratory as well.  

It belongs to the pneumoviridae family, from which also comes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus infects people of all ages but hits more severely among people with weak immunity or chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other groups more vulnerable to this disease are children less than five years of age and adults over 65 years of age.  

Symptoms of HMPV 

The infection mainly affects in winters but is also active during early spring. Symptoms of HMPV include common cold and cough like issues like sneezing and runny nose, coughing, sore throat, fever, shortness of breath and flu. Infections can sometimes worsen into bronchitis, pneumonia, or exacerbations of asthma. 

Is it different from COVID-19? 

Both HMPV and COVID-19 are communicable respiratory diseases which have similar symptoms like cold, cough, sneezing, fever and more. To some extent they are similarly transmitted and can be so severe to lead to hospitalization. Yet, there is no vaccine or anti-virus treatment available for HMPV, like in the case of COVID-19, said a report by medical experts.  

Where HMPV mostly occurs in seasons like winters and early spring, making it seasonal, COVID-19 remains active all year due to the emergence of new variants. HMPV does not likely create a pandemic like situation.  

Is HMPV preventable? 

HMPV can be spread through touching or coming in contact with those affected by the virus and therefore, some preventive measures including hygiene should be taken.  

According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as a preventive measure, we should maintain hygiene like washing hands with soap and water for minimum 20 seconds, avoid touching face with unwashed hands, wearing masks in crowded places, etc.  

Medical advisory also suggests covering mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing respectively and avoid going out in very crowded places during winter.