With the COVID wounds still raw, the news of HMPV outbreak in China from where the COVID outbreak emerged five years before, has put everyone in a state of panic. Parents, mostly, are highly concerned because the virus attacks kids more than any other section of the population. Distressed videos from China are also adding to the concerns of parents. Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are equally vulnerable to this virus and are more likely to develop severe complications due to this infection.
What is HMPV? Is it a new virus?
HMPV or the human metapneumovirus is a common virus, which was first detected in 2001, though certain evidence traces it back to 1958. It belongs to the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Though this virus is found throughout the year, the infections peak during winter season. It mostly circulates along with RSV and flu.
HMPV is not highly infectious
“Approximately 1% of individuals infected with respiratory viruses like influenza, RSV, HMPV, or COVID may experience severe complications like pneumonia. HMPV typically results in a 7–10-day upper respiratory tract infection. One percent of cases, nevertheless, may worsen and necessitate hospitalisation. Both viruses (HMVP and COVID) spread through droplet transmission, contact with contaminated surfaces, and share the same route of transmission and preventative measures, but their structures differ,” says Dr. Manisha Mendiratta, Associate Director & Head – Pulmonology, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad.
“The symptoms of HMPV are similar to the common cold and can lead to upper respiratory infections, and lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, or worsened chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is more common in winters and early spring. It is part of the same group of viruses that causes RSV, measles, and mumps. It spreads through direct contact with someone with the virus or touching contaminated surfaces,” she added.
“HMPV is more commonly reported from children less than two years of age”
Dr. Ankita Baidya, Consultant – Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi urges public not to panic. “As such, I don’t think that we should be in a panic state. Though, yes, as the alert is going on and the testing has started, we can find more and more HMPV cases because of improved testing. But HMPV, I will say that it has been in circulation in India also,” she says.
“Most individuals are exposed to the virus in early childhood, often before the age of five. In temperate climates, HMPV infections are more common in winter and spring, while in tropical regions, the virus can be active throughout the year,” says Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director and HOD, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Faridabad.
“The virus is classified into two main genetic lineages, A and B, each with sublineages (A1, A2, B1, B2). This genetic diversity contributes to the virus’s ability to evade the immune system, leading to recurrent infections throughout a person’s life,” he said.
HMPV is not same as COVID
HMPV symptoms are mostly seen in the upper respiratory tract like most of the COVID cases. But it is not similar to COVID. “- HMPV, is a viral disease that causes the common cold with symptoms such as cough, fever, and breathlessness. On the other hand, COVID-19 is brought about by another virus called the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while it may not cause severe conditions at times; however, these two viruses vary in causing other diseases. Common colds mainly caused by this virus are most often seen during the colder periods of the month, especially affecting children and adults. Both can spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing. However, COVID-19 is generally considered more contagious,” says Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care & Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram.
“Some individuals are at higher risk, including young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. Pregnant women and people with respiratory issues also fall into higher risk categories, who may have severe illness or complications from these infections,” he warns.
Symptoms of HMPV and how long does it take to recover from the infection
Dr. Ankita Baidya explains the symptoms, incubation period and course of the infection. “Symptoms of HMPV are mainly, most of the time, fever and upper respiratory symptoms like sore throat, cold, sneezing, and blocked nose could be there. There could be a headache, and a cough could be there. Most of the time the cough is dry, and sometimes there could be shortness of breath with this virus associated; more commonly, the severe disease is seen with patients who are extreme in ages, like children and the elderly, and if I say that, around 60 percent of the time, it is more commonly seen with children who are less than two years of age. This virus infection is more troublesome for the children who are less than two years of age. Treatment is only supportive care. On average, the recovery takes place within one week if in a patient who is of good immunity,” she says.
“There is no treatment for HMPV, prevention is the cure”
“Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and no vaccine to prevent HMPV,” says the US CDC and urges people to follow preventive measures.
“To reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting HMPV – maintaining hand hygiene, wearing masks and practicing social distancing is effective. The incubation period for this virus is 3-6 days, so individuals experiencing symptoms should wear masks at all times to prevent transmission,” says Dr Ankita Baidya. “Also, if someone is travelling from regions impacted by HMPV, they must proactively report to health authorities upon arrival. This helps in early detection, containment of the infection and ensures the safety of our families and loved ones,” she adds.
“Be careful of such infections, good hygiene measures, washing of hands by applying soap with clean running water is very necessary, avoid being around infected individuals as well as put on masks at crowded areas. Stay indoors if not feeling well, healthy life should be associated with a proper diet, work, and sleep for enhanced immunological functions. Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly to prevent the spread of germs,” Dr Grover advises.
