Comparing HMPV and COVID-19: Key Differences and Similarities in Respiratory Infections – News18

Last Updated:January 12, 2025, 20:23 IST

Although they share similarities in transmission and affected populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, they differ significantly in terms of onset, symptoms, and severity.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and COVID-19 are both respiratory viruses that primarily affect the respiratory epithelium, leading to infections in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Although they share similarities in transmission and affected populations, such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, they differ significantly in terms of onset, symptoms, and severity. HMPV, first identified in 2001, is typically seasonal, with mild cold-like symptoms, while COVID-19, emerging in 2019, can cause more severe symptoms including fever, loss of taste and smell, and respiratory failure. Vaccines are available for COVID-19, but none exist for HMPV.

Comparison between HMPV & COVID

Dr Mohit Bhardwaj, Head of Department & Consultant, Department of Pulmonology, SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram compares HMPV and Covid:

1. HMPV and COVID are both viruses that target the epithelium of the respiratory tract which can cause infection in the upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract.
2. HMPV was first identified in 2001 while COVID-19 was discovered in Dec 2019.
3. In most cases, HMPV affects children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, while COVID-19 affects adults more frequently.
4. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreaks are more common in the winter, while COVID-19 can be transmitted year-round.
5. HMPV causes mild cold-like symptoms, while COVID-19 can lead to fever, sore throat, loss of smell, loss of taste and in severe cases respiratory failure.
6. There is a risk of both viruses spreading through respiratory droplets.
7. There is no vaccination available for HMP Virus. However, COVID-19 vaccine is readily available.
8. In mild cases, HMPV can last from a few days to weeks, while COVID can have symptoms that persist for weeks or even months.