HMPV Vs Covid-19: Key Differences, Similarities, And Understanding The Risk Factors, As Per Doctor

An outbreak of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) in China has raised alarm worldwide. While countries like India are closely monitoring the spread, experts are emphasising its similarity with COVID-19. We spoke to Dr Diksha Goyal, Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, to understand the differences and similarities between HMPV and COVID-19. Scroll down to learn more about this HMPV that created a global threat.

What Is HMPV?

Dr Diksha Goyal said, “HMPV is a respiratory virus primarily affecting the lungs and airways. It can cause the same symptoms as the common cold, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and wheezing.” She highlighted that it most commonly occurs in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weak immune systems.

She explained that the infection is contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. Although a majority of the cases are not severe, severe infections lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, especially in high-risk groups.

Dr Goyal mentioned that HMPV is receiving significant attention because there is an atypical rise in cases with increased infections compared to previous expectations in various countries. Despite the existence of HMPV for decades, the sudden outbreak is particularly concerning as it hits a greater proportion of the population, including the healthy adult population, compared to other years when only high-risk groups were affected. These changes in virus behaviour and continuous global health problems are making HMPV so prominent.

Difference Between HMPV And Covid-19

Dr Goyal highlighted that there are also several myths revolving around HMPV, one being that it could be as fatal as COVID-19. She added that it is true that HMPV can indeed cause severe respiratory illness, and it is always worse in some vulnerable individuals; however, its mortality rate or prevalence is less compared to that of COVID-19.

According to Dr Goyal, HMPV causes a mild to moderately severe illness for most people affected, with such severe cases commonly occurring in infants, the aged, or otherwise immunocompromised. Unlike COVID-19, the disease was characterised by global spread with a significant mortality rate. HMPV is not as transmissible as COVID-19 or even as virulent for the general population.

Factors Responsible For Spread

Here are the factors leading to the spread of this virus:

• Dr Goyal highlighted that colder weather keeps people indoors more and brings individuals together in proximity, increasing close contact, through which respiratory viruses spread.
• Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have now been relaxed to a certain degree, leading to increased contact.
• Weakened immunity following long periods of self-isolation because of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused people to become more susceptible to infections such as HMPV, particularly for vulnerable populations.

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How To Prevent HMPV?

Dr Goyal recommends a few preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus:

• To prevent HMPV, you should maintain hygiene practices, like frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with the person who has contracted the infection, and coughing and sneezing with your mouth and nose covered.
• Frequently disinfect common places that people come into contact with. In case you get the virus, stay at home to avoid the virus spreading around, rest, keep yourself hydrated, and take medication for fever and congestion.
• Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or associated with difficulty breathing or persistent high fever, particularly in high-risk individuals.

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Follow the guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

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