Experts Say HMPV Infection Causes Flu-Like Symptoms but No Need for Alarm
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New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) An infection caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) generally leads to flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, a blocked nose, and some shortness of breath, according to experts on Saturday, who emphasized that there is no reason for alarm.
Numerous images and videos surfaced on social media depicting hospitals in China overwhelmed with patients amidst increasing HMPV cases — which result in respiratory illness — raising significant fears of a potential pandemic similar to Covid-19.
In an interview with IANS, Gautam Menon, Dean of Research at Ashoka University, explained that HMPV is a two-decade-old virus and shares similarities with the common cold. He noted that the winter season exacerbates respiratory infections.
“An HMPV infection typically manifests as a cough, fever, a blocked nose, and mild shortness of breath. This virus accounts for a small percentage, ranging from 5 to 10 percent, of all respiratory infections during the flu season worldwide,” Menon stated.
He further mentioned that while symptoms are generally mild, the very young and the elderly may be at risk for more serious illness.
“The recent surge in cases in China should not be a cause for concern. An increase in viral respiratory ailments is typical for this season and occurs globally. It's crucial to recognize that HMPV is vastly different from Covid-19, as most people have likely encountered it before, unlike Covid-19, which was a novel virus,” Menon pointed out, advising the elderly to take precautions such as regularly washing hands and wearing masks.
“There is no specific reason to be alarmed about HMPV,” he added.
Prominent biologist Vinod Scaria shared in a post on the social media platform X that “HMPV exhibits a seasonal pattern, with peak infections occurring in winter.”
“In fact, HMPV is quite common, with estimates suggesting that it accounts for nearly 1 in 10 of all lower respiratory tract infections in the United States,” he noted.
However, he emphasized the necessity for “approved diagnostics and a streamlined process for expedited approvals for diagnostics” for such diseases.
