Even Though They are the Same, What is the Difference Between Covid-19 and the HMPV Virus?

Sahabat Hermina, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and COVID-19 are two viruses that attack the human respiratory system. Although both can cause similar symptoms, such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath, there are fundamental differences between the two.

Origin and Family of Viruses

• HMPV: Included in the family Pneumoviridae and was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands. This virus has been circulating in the winter in the human population for decades, so many individuals have some level of immunity to it.
• COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which belongs to the Coronaviridae family. This virus emerged at the end of 2019 and quickly spread globally, causing a pandemic with significant impacts.

Mode of Transmission

• Both viruses are transmitted through respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing, as well as through direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
• Droplets containing viruses can stable on :
  • Cold air and low humidity.
  • Closed environment with poor ventilation.
  • Contaminated surfaces/objects (8-12 hours on clothes/paper and 24-28 hours on stainless steel).
• The incubation period for the HMPV virus is short, only 3-6 days.
• SARS-CoV-2 incubation has a higher transmission capacity, including through small aerosols that can remain in the air for longer, around several hours to days (especially in closed rooms). The incubation period is longer, 2–14 days, but shorter in the Omicron variant, an average of 3–5 days.

Symptom

Common symptoms caused by both viruses include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Hard to breathe

However, COVID-19 has typical symptoms such as loss of the ability to smell (anosmia) and decreased blood oxygen saturation. These symptoms are rare in HMPV infection.

Severity and Risk Groups

• HMPV: Generally causes mild symptoms in healthy adults. However, in children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems, HMPV can cause serious lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma exacerbation and acute respiratory injury syndrome (ARDS). In babies <6 months, breathing stops (apnea) often occurs.
• COVID-19: Can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Serious complications include ARDS, blood clotting disorders and multi-organ failure. The high-risk group includes all ages with all levels of immunity.

Prevention and Treatment

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused exposure to HMPV in the last three years to be greatly reduced, so that people who do not have immunity from previous viral infections are more susceptible to infection.

Prevention for both viruses is the same, namely wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, washing your hands regularly, avoiding contact with sick people.

• HMPV: There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment specific for HMPV. Treatment focuses on supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and medication to relieve symptoms.
• COVID-19: Vaccines have been developed and are widely available to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, several antiviral drugs and other treatments have been approved to treat COVID-19.

So, although these two viruses have some similarities in terms of symptoms and mode of transmission, the differences in origin, severity and prevention methods make them unique. It is important for the public to understand these differences in order to take appropriate preventive measures and reduce the risk of infection. Stay healthy.

 

Reference

• Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. (2024). Accessed from http://wwwkemkes.go.id.
• García-García ML, Pérez-Arenas E, Pérez-Hernandez P, et al. Human Metapneumovirus Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2023;29(4):850–852.
• Jongbloed M, Leijte WT, Linssen CFM, Hoogen BG van den, Gorp ECM van, Kruif MD de. Clinical impact of human metapneumovirus infections before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infect Dis 2021;53(7):488–497.
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4097773/
• Wang Y, Chen Z, Yan YD, Guo H, Chu C, Liu J, Ding Y, Shao X, Xu J, Ji W. Seasonal distribution and epidemiological characteristics of human metapneumovirus infections in pediatric inpatients in Southeast China. Arch Virol. 2013 Feb;158(2):417-24.