How are HMPV cases different from Covid-19? From symptoms to vaccine— Your guide to the virus

HMPV, or the Human Metapneumovirus, made headlines after Chinese state media reported that the HMPV virus was among other pathogens responsible for the uptick in infectious respiratory illnesses in the country. The reports sounded alarm in many countries, including India. Many compared this HMPV virus to the coronavirus that triggered a pandemic in 2020. But, is HMPV same as COVID-19 virus? Or, is it, in fact, different from it? Here we decode:

First, let’s know about HMPV and COVID-19:

The Human Metapneumovirus, commonly known as the HMPV, is a common respiratory virus first identified by Dutch scientists in the early 2000s. However, serological studies have shown that the virus has existed for at least 60 years and has spread all over the world as a common respiratory pathogen.

HMPV is a virus that causes respiratory illness, especially among those in the high-risk group (children, elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised people).

Meanwhile, COVID-19 is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Like COVID-19, HMPV doesn’t have a name recognition.

HMPV vs COVID: How are they similar?

1. Both HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 cause infectious diseases. They are known to cause respiratory illness. Clinical features of HMPV and COVID-19 are really difficult to distinguish from other viral illnesses.

2. Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are likely to be at the highest risk. “In susceptible individuals with underlying medical conditions, HMPV infection can lead to death,” China’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. COVID-19 also led to the death of millions during the pandemic.

3. They are both communicable diseases. Infection from both viruses is transmitted from an infected person to others; through secretions from coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact. It also spreads by touching objects or surfaces with viruses on them and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. C

4. They are said to have seasonal infections. As per Science Direct, COVID-19 appears to be temperature-sensitive and, therefore, seasonal. Similarly, HMPV circulates in distinct annual seasons, the US CDC said.

5. Most of the methods to prevent the spread of HMPV infection and COVID-19 are also the same. To effectively reduce the chance of infection, people are advised to wear masks when going to crowded places, wash hands frequently, stay in ventilation, and perform scientific disinfection.

6. Both HMPV an COVID infections can be asymptomatic. According to a research, “Among the healthy elderly group, 16 of the 36 [HMPV] infections (44%) were asymptomatic, while 19 of 49 infections (39%) in the high-risk group were asymptomatic. The percentage of asymptomatic infection was even greater in the young group (27 of 38 infections [71%]).”

HMPV Vs Covid-19 symptoms: How are they different?

The symptoms of infection caused by the HMPV virus and the SARS-CoV-2 virus are similar. The most common symptoms of HMPV and COVID-19 include cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Those who develop serious complications may suffer from pneumonia

However, people infected with COVID-19 show many more symptoms than those suffering illness due to the HMPV virus. The differences in symptoms are noted mostly in severe cases.

According to the China CDC, HMPV can sometimes result in bronchitis and pneumonia in severe cases. An article published by Apollo Hospital said ear infections may be reported, particularly among children.

Meanwhile, less common symptoms of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), include: loss of smell and taste, muscle aches and heavy arms or legs, severe fatigue or tiredness; runny or blocked nose, headache, sore eyes, dizziness, tight chest, chest pain, numbness or tingling and difficulty sleeping.

People with the following COVID-19 symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

1. difficulty breathing, especially at rest, or unable to speak in sentences

3. drowsiness or loss of consciousness

4. persistent pain or pressure in the chest

5. skin being cold or clammy, or turning pale or a bluish colour

6. loss of speech or movement.

healthcare professionals may not routinely consider or test for HMPV

How is HMPV infection different from COVID-19?

While cases are climbing in China, the situation is very different from what it was when Covid-19 emerged five years ago, medical experts say. HMPV is common and decades old.

HMPV cases in India: Should we be concerned?

In China, the reports of respiratory infections in the past few days were attributed not only to HMPV, but also to influenza. Prof John Tregoning, Professor in Vaccine Immunology, Imperial College London, was quoted by Science Media Centre as saying, “It [HMPV] is part of the cocktail of winter viruses that we are exposed to.”

China has also clarified, “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season”. 

In India, though a few cases have been reported, the Ministry of Health said it is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels and also requested the World health Organization (WHO) to share timely updates regarding the situation.