
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, are both respiratory illnesses with overlapping symptoms, yet they differ in several critical aspects.
Similarities in Symptoms and Transmission
Both HMPV and COVID-19 can present with:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
They spread primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, direct contact with contaminated surfaces, and close personal interactions.
Key Differences Between HMPV and COVID-19
- Causative Agent: HMPV is a pneumovirus, while COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus.
- Severity and Complications: COVID-19 has a broader range of severity, including asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure, whereas HMPV typically causes milder respiratory illness but can lead to serious conditions in vulnerable populations.
- Vaccination and Treatment: Effective vaccines and antiviral treatments are available for COVID-19. In contrast, there is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral therapy for HMPV.