HMPV — Virus Behind Fresh Alarm — Has Symptoms Like Common Cold. Doctor Explains How To Tell Them Apart

The Indian government has urged Indians against panicking over reports of increasing HMPV cases in China and a few other countries. WHO yet to issue a statement. 

Representational image.

Source : Pixabay

HMPV: The reported increase in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China and other countries, including Hong Kong and Malaysia, has sparked global concern. However, the Chinese government has not declared a public health emergency regarding the virus — attributing the spike to the winter season — while the World Health Organization (WHO) has yet to issue a statement. The Indian government, meanwhile, has urged Indians against panicking. Even so, reports of the situation in China have caused concern in a world still on edge after the Covid pandemic. In late 2019, Covid-19 was first identified in China, and later impacted almost the entire world, ultimately killing over 7 million people as it turned into a pandemic. 

Parents of young children are rightly worried as the HMPV results in symptoms similar to those caused by common viral infections, such as influenza, RSV, or the common cold. ABP Live consulted the medical community to find out how an HMPV infection can be distinguished from similar illnesses.

Speaking to ABP Live, Dr Sourabh Pahuja, senior consultant, pulmonary medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said HMPV is not a new entity in the medical community. It has been present for many years, and is recognised as the second most common virus affecting children, following the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), he added. 

He said children are more often affected by an HMPV infection. “Epidemiologically, HMPV predominantly impacts paediatric populations, typically affecting children between 6 months and 12 months of age, though it can present in children up to 14 years old,” Dr Pahuja added.

There is no specific or approved therapy for HMPV at this time. Management remains symptomatic, much like the treatment for other viral illnesses. 

“As a pulmonary medicine specialist, I can affirm that the symptoms of an HMPV infection are largely indistinguishable from those of other common viral infections, such as influenza, RSV, or the common cold. Patients may present with fever, cough, cold [symptoms], body ache, generalised weakness, and, in severe cases where respiratory failure occurs, shortness of breath. Symptomatically, it’s challenging to differentiate HMPV from other viral infections,” he said.

Here is a primer shared by Dr Sourabh Pahuja on things to know about HMPV infections.

Symptoms

Fever: A common sign of most viral infections, including HMPV

Cough: May be persistent and accompanied by phlegm

Cold Symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose and sneezing

Body Ache: General muscle aches and fatigue

General Weakness: Feeling tired or lacking energy

Severe Cases: Shortness of breath or respiratory distress, especially in individuals with underlying health issues or compromised immunity

Tips on Prevention

Hygiene Measures:

1. Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers when soap is unavailable.
3. If a family member shows symptoms, isolate them by assigning a separate room.
4. Encourage the symptomatic individual to wear a mask to limit droplet transmission.

Mask-Wearing in Crowded Areas: Especially important in spaces with poor ventilation.

Avoid Close Contact: Minimise physical interactions with people showing cold or flu-like symptoms.

Vaccination: Although no vaccine currently exists for HMPV, getting vaccinated against influenza and other respiratory viruses can reduce illness severity.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Adequate nutrition, hydration, and rest boost immunity and improve resilience against infections.

Common Cold Or HMPV Infection: How To Judge

HMPV symptoms mimic those of the common cold or flu, making differentiation based on symptoms alone unreliable. “Symptom-based identification is unreliable, but, during an outbreak of HMPV in the community, targeted testing can confirm the infection,” Dr Sourabh Pahuja said. “This approach is similar to how we monitored and tested for Covid-19 during the pandemic. By identifying trends in the community and leveraging diagnostic tools, we can accurately pinpoint the cause of viral infections.” 

Severity Indicators: Look for shortness of breath or prolonged high fever, which are less common with the cold and may warrant further investigation.

Testing for Confirmation: A PCR test or similar diagnostic test is required to confirm HMPV. During known outbreaks of HMPV, healthcare providers may prioritise testing for patients presenting with severe symptoms.

Risk Group Consideration: People with compromised immune systems, the elderly, or young children are more susceptible to severe HMPV infections. In such cases, consulting a qualified doctor early is crucial.

The author is a senior independent journalist.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern.