HMPV Symptoms: Is Human Metapneumovirus Similar to COVID-19? Everything You Should Know

HMPV Vs COVID-19: China is currently facing a virus outbreak after almost 5 years of the COVID pandemic, that affected people on global level. From lockdowns to numerous deaths, COVID created a worldwide chaos, completely changing everyone’s life. Now when there are reports of another COVID like virus spreading rapidly in China, medical officials of every country are on high alert, to avoid any last time crisis situation. On the other hand, many claim that the new virus, called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), is quite similar to corona in terms of how it spreads and symptoms. 

According to reports, the virus is quickly spreading throughout the country. Some social media users believe that several viruses, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, are circulating in China. Some even claim that hospitals and crematoriums are overloaded. As respiratory infections rise in China, there are reports of overcrowded hospitals and healthcare systems.

Let us try to understand the similarity between HMPV and COVID, the differences, and how to avoid getting infected by the virus.

Human Metapneumovirus Symptoms  

• Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) symptoms are typically similar to those of a common cold; nevertheless, in certain cases, it can cause serious disease.

• Young children are more prone to severe disease since the first exposure to HMPV is frequently accompanied with a higher risk of significant symptoms.

• Following the first infection, partial immunity develops, lowering the severity of subsequent infections. As a result, individuals are more prone to develop mild, cold-like symptoms after future HMPV exposures.

• Adults 65 and older, those with pre-existing respiratory diseases, and those with compromised immune systems are all at risk of developing severe symptoms.

• Common HMPV symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion or discharge, sore throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and skin rash.

HMPV can cause consequences such bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, and ear infections.

HMPV vs. COVID-19  

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is associated with flu-like symptoms and typically affects the upper respiratory tract, but it can infrequently cause lower respiratory infections. The virus is more common throughout the winter and early spring seasons. Although HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) belong to separate viral families, they have various similarities. While effective COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, there is currently no vaccine for HMPV.

Respiratory Illness

Both viruses predominantly affect the respiratory system, resulting in illnesses ranging from mild to severe.

Transmission 

They spread by respiratory droplets and contact with infected surfaces.

Symptoms 

Both diseases frequently cause fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Target Age Group

Children, the elderly, and those with impaired immune systems are most vulnerable.

Prevention

Hand cleanliness, masks, and social separation are all excellent ways to reduce transmission.

Respiratory Virus Infections

Respiratory viruses are viruses that infect the respiratory system. These illnesses have similar symptoms, risk factors, and preventative treatments. Some of the typical respiratory ailments are:

• Asthma

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Lung cancer

• Cystic fibrosis

• Sleep apnea

• Occupational lung diseases

• Influenza

• COVID-19

• RSV

Common symptoms include: 

• Shortness of breath

• Persistent cough with a lot of mucus, which might be clear, white, yellow, or green.

• Wheezing 

• Lingering chest ache that intensifies when coughing or taking heavy breaths. 

• A fever can range from low to severe and may be accompanied by chills, sweats, headaches, and body pains. 

• Feeling exhausted or lacking energy

• Frequent pulmonary infections 

• Unintentional Weight Loss 

• Swelling in the ankles, foot or legs