HMPV vs Covid-19: Key similarities and differences in symptoms

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases have been on rise in northern China, specifically among children. A respiratory disease from the same family of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), it usually has flu-like symptoms. However, it may lead to serious complications like bronchitis and pneumonia in vulnerable populations like young children, elderly or immunocompromised people.
First detected in 2001 in the Netherlands, HMPV is the second most common cause of

respiratory infections

in children after RSV. The outbreaks of the disease happen usually in colder seasons.
China’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has urged people to take precautions with health and hygiene, however, they have ruled out the possibility of a

Covid-like pandemic

.
HMPV symptoms

resemble cold or flu symptoms namely fever, cough, nasal congestion, and fatigue. In severe cases, in the vulnerable population, it can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing.

The symptoms of HMPV are similar to a cold or flu. It has been around for years and is often among the viruses that are clubbed under a broad definition of the common cold, unlike Covid-19 or influenza.

HMPV vs Covid

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, are both respiratory infections that share overlapping symptoms but differ in their etiology, clinical severity, and management strategies.
“HMPV typically circulates during winter and spring, affecting children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. In contrast, Covid-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, exhibits year-round transmission influenced by emerging variants and

public health measures

,” says Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
While HMPV has been around for several decades unlike Covid-19 which has recently joined the fray. Over the years, people around the world have acquired immunity against it. Covid-19 spelled disaster as it was a new disease and the human body wasn’t prepared for it.

Differences in symptoms of Covid and HMPV

“Both infections can cause fever, cough, nasal congestion, and sore throat. However, HMPV primarily presents as mild cold-like symptoms and may lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia in high-risk populations, marked by wheezing and breathing difficulties,” says Dr Modi.
Covid-19 symptoms

on the other hand range from asymptomatic cases to severe ones like pneumonia.
“Systemic symptoms such as loss of smell and taste, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal disturbances are more characteristic of Covid-19. Severe cases may progress to multi-organ failure,” says Dr Modi.
Both viruses spread via respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.

How to manage Covid and HMPV

Preventive measures like hand hygiene and mask-wearing are effective against both.
“Covid-19 can be prevented by vaccines and antiviral therapies, while

HMPV management

remains supportive, focusing on symptom relief and respiratory support for severe cases. Laboratory testing, such as PCR, confirms the diagnosis for both infections,” says the expert.
It is important to diagnose them correctly in order to manage them properly.
(Images courtesy: iStock)