From influenza to covid-19, here’s how HMPV is different from other respiratory viruses.
First
identified in 2001, HMPV, or Human Metapneumovirus, recently made headlines in
India. HMPV symptoms are very similar to that of flu and cold, and are usually
observed to have mild symptoms on healthy adults. However, in children and
older adults, HMPV can cause severe symptoms. Soon after being detected, people
were quick to relate it to the symptoms of COVID-19.
What is HMPV?
The
human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that typically
causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show it has circulated in human
populations since the 1970s, though it was first identified by scientists in
2001. The virus accounts for 4-16% of acute respiratory infections globally,
with cases usually peaking between November and May. While most adults have
developed immunity through previous exposure, hMPV can cause more severe
symptoms in infants encountering it for the first time and in people with
weakened immune systems.
World
Health Organisation declared that there has been no report of outbreak pattern
of HMPV, unlike COVID-19. But how is it different from COVID-19 and other
respiratory viruses? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Maheshkumar Lakhe,
Infectious Diseases Physician, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospitals, Hadapsar,
Pune said, “It is one of the causes of respiratory tract infection in people of
all ages and is a member of the family Paramyxovirus. The clinical picture of
HMPV closely resembles that of RSV, since the clinical spectrum ranges from
mild respiratory illness to moderate- or even severe bronchitis and pneumonia
which can be fatal. People such as infants, young children, the elderly, and
those with a weakened immune system are most affected by this virus and are at
high risk too.”
The infectious diseases physician further compared
HMPV to other respiratory illnesses:
HMPV vs. Influenza
“Respiratory viruses, true to
form, have an increased incidence during the cold season due to indoor excess
crowding and humid air, and both HMPV and influenza are alike in being
disseminated by means of respiratory droplets. Influenza is different because
it is yearly vaccine-preventable and antiviral medications such as oseltamivir
can be utilized against it, HMPV on the other hand still lacks a vaccine
targeting it and treatment consists of simple supportive measures,” explained
the doctor.
HMPV vs. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
“While both viruses are
managed primarily through supportive care such as hydration and fever
management, RSV has an added preventive option through the administration of
monoclonal antibodies to high-risk infants. This preventive strategy highlights
a gap in the management of HMPV, where no such prophylactic treatment exists,”
he said.
Know the differences between HMPV and other respiratory viruses.
HMPV
vs. Covid
"While HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 share a mode of transmission—via respiratory droplets—the latter is much more contagious and has a broader spectrum of symptoms, including unique ones such as loss of taste and smell. SARS-CoV-2 can also lead to more severe health outcomes like ARDS, necessitating a range of specific treatments from antivirals to steroids, and has seen a swift development and rollout of several effective vaccines,” Dr Maheshkumar Lakhe said.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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