How Dangerous Is HMPV
These days there is a stir all over the world about a new virus. The name of this virus is Human Metapneumovirus, known as HMPV. Patients infected with this virus may develop conditions ranging from common cold-like symptoms to pneumonia and bronchiolitis. This winter can be considered dangerous for children, elderly and people with weak immunity. However, this virus is completely different from Covid-19. But some symptoms and methods of prevention are similar to Covid. Because of which people are linking it with Covid-19. Had a special conversation with Dr. R.S. Mishra, Principal Director and Head, Department of Internal Medicine (Fortis Escort Hospital, Delhi) to know how different is HMPV and Covid-19?
According to doctors, both HMP virus and COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus) are respiratory viruses, but there are several key differences between them.
How different is HMPV from COVID-19?
Virus Family- HMPV belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, while SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus.
Incubation Time – The incubation time period for COVID-19 is around 2-14 days, while for HMPV it is around 3-6 days.
Severity and mortality – COVID-19 has shown a high mortality rate, especially in older adults and people with co-morbidities. In contrast, HMPV causes mild disease in healthy adults, although it can cause severe disease in immunocompromised people such as young children and the elderly.
Global spread – COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic, causing widespread social impact, lockdowns, and significant loss of life. HMPV, despite being a serious health concern, has not caused similar widespread outbreaks and is largely a seasonal virus with local outbreaks.
Vaccine availability – Vaccines for COVID-19 have been developed and widely distributed, while no vaccine exists yet for HMPV.
Is HMPV a virus like Corona?
Both HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 spread primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Its symptoms are also very similar to each other in that both can cause symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath. Which can lead to more serious respiratory conditions, including pneumonia. As with COVID-19, preventive measures to prevent HMPV, such as wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, are effective for both viruses.
Although this virus is completely different from Covid-19 and cannot be considered as dangerous, it is very important to take precautions.
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