HMPV Virus – Are We Facing a Risk of COVID 2.0?

Have you seen the news or heard somewhere about the breakdown of a new virus in China? Recently, a new virus called human metapneumovirus has caught the attention of the world. 

This has significantly caused global hysteria, as the extensive research on COVID-19, such as on platforms like Research Prospect, demonstrates that the world has not yet fully recovered from its aftermath. 

After facing a tremendous outbreak like COVID-19, people are raising concerns like “Are you expecting COVID 2.0?”. 

Various images of Chinese hospitals full of masked patients have been seen and widely shared on social media. 

When asked by experts, they said there’s no similarity between HMPV and COVID-19. There are only a lot of cases because of winter. 

Let’s discuss what HMPV is, its systems, how it transmits, and see if there any any chances of a COVID-style pandemic. 

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

First discovered in 2001, the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an upper and lower respiratory disease. It was initially detected by Dutch scientists when tests for all other known respiratory viruses were negative. 

According to an infectious disease specialist in Singapore, Dr Hsu Li Yang, “HMPV can catch people of all ages, especially young children, older adults, cancer patients, and people with vulnerable immune systems.”

“Even if someone is infected, there’s only a small and significant proportion of immunocompromised people can go towards serious disease”, she said. “In such a case, their lungs can be affected with symptoms of wheezing, breathlessness, and croup.”

“Many can be treated at normal hospital care. However, a small population is prone to death due to infection”, Dr Hsu said. 

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

HMPV’s symptoms are generally similar to those of the common cold. According to the CDC, here are the common symptoms of HMPV:

• Cough
• Fever
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Sore Throat
• Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
• Rash
• Wheezing

Dr Jacqueline Stephens, a senior lecturer in public health at Flinders University in Australia, says, “The symptoms of HMPV are observed or felt like a seasonal cold or flu. It is that virus that mostly comes under the umbrella of the common cold”.

She further added, “There’s a wide range of these diseases, and they are not notifiable, as they have various similarities.”

How Does HMPV Transmit?

Just like COVID-19, HMPV also is transmitted from one infected person to another through direct contact and when someone touches a contaminated surface. Moreover, it spreads due to:

• When you shake hands, kiss, and hug. 
• When you cough and sneeze. 
• When you touch objects like doorknobs, phones, toys, or keyboards. 

Director of infectious diseases at Mater Health Services in Brisbane, Prof Paul Griffin, says, “It might seem like the common cold. However, it can significantly cause severe damage. That’s why I think people should be aware of its existence”,

The Surge of HMPV in China

The recent surge of HMV cases in China has immensely shaken the world to the core due to the cliche of COVID-19 emergence from China. However, the reality is quite different. 

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “Respiratory infections are most likely to peak during the winter season”. 

“As compared to the previous year, the diseases are apparently less severe, and their spread is within a smaller circle”. He said. 

“China is not the only one; other countries included in the northern hemisphere, including the US, are also getting to see a surge in HMPV,” said Dr Jacqueline Stephens. 

“This may immensely be concerning for the world, but the good news is, its prevalence is just a normal seasonal increase due to winter”, she further added. 

Moreover, according to the World Health Organization report, there has been an increased trend in respiratory diseases in the Northern Hemisphere. However, there are no noticeably unusual virus patterns in China. 

Is There Any Chance of COVID-like Outbreak?

According to the Guardian, the surge of HMPV cases is not even close to an outbreak like that of COVID-19. We are much more equipped with advanced technology to detect and identify HMPV viruses effortlessly. 

Dr Jackeline Stephens says, “I think we’re more aware and cautious of the pandemic outbreaks now”. 

“Everyone is hypervigilant this time, anyways, whenever you hear this complex term human metapneumovirus, it just gives intense chills”, she said. 

According to a research paper by the National Library of Medicine, viruses like HMPV have been common for several decades and have been found in all regions of the world. 

Prevention Steps to Avoid the Spread of HMPV

Here are the preventive measures that you must take to avoid the surge of HMPV. 

Step 1: Wash your hands frequently

Whether your hands are dirty or clean, wash them frequently, even after a small task. Use soap for washing your hands. Then, wipe them using a clean towel or napkin. 

Step 2: Stay at home when you’re sick

If you’re experiencing and noticing the symptoms of HMPV, it is advisable to stay at home. Take leave from your school, university, or office. 

Step 3: Cover your mouth while coughing 

Coughing is a major cause of the spread of HMPV, as it spreads respiratory droplets in the air. Whenever you cough or sneeze, ensure to cover your face with a napkin or your elbow. 

Step 4: Clean most touched surfaces

Cleaning most touched surfaces in the home or office, such as doorknobs, toys, and countertops, is also an essential step to stop the spread of HMPV. 

Step 5: Get properly vaccinated

When healthcare authorities advise you to vaccinate yourself in the face of an upcoming infection, get yourself vaccinated right away.