This is a simple explanation in plain English of Coronavirus and HMPV, what they are, where they come from, how they differ, symptoms and treatment options.
1. Coronaviruses (Covid-19)
- What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses: are a family of viruses that can affect animals and people and can cause from mild to severe respiratory illnesses. The two most infamous of these are the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic that started in late 2019, and WD virus, which was discovered in 1980 and killed only sporting animals.
Key Historical Milestones:
- First Discovery: Although first discovered in the 1960s, coronavirus outbreaks wouldn’t become globally significant until the SARS outbreak of 2002 through 2003.
- COVID-19 Origin: First appearing in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the outbreak rapidly spread across the world, prompting the call from WHO of a pandemic, in March 2020.
1.2 Symptoms of COVID-19
- The symptoms range from mild to severe and from one person to another.
Common Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Loss of taste or smell
Severe Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- In extreme cases, organ failure
1.3 How Does COVID-19 Spread?
COVID-19 spreads primarily through:
- These are respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, talking.
- They include surface contamination (touching objects with virus, then touching face).
1.4 Treatment for COVID-19
- COVID-19 has no specific “cure,” but there are approved vaccines and treatments:
Vaccines:
- Covishield and Covaxin vaccines were developed rapidly.
- Vaccines can lower severity and reduction in risk for hospitalization.
Medicines:
- They treat patients with severe cases with antiviral drugs, such as to control symptoms.
- Critical patients are also on oxygen therapy or ventilation and supportive care.
2. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
- What is HMPV?
- Human Metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a virus that typically causes respiratory illness. It can bother any age, but is especially harmful to babies under 5, people over 65, and ones with a weakened immune system.
Key Historical Milestones:
- Discovery: Nevertheless, HMPV was only discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands.
- Undetected for Decades: But scientists say it was there long before it was discovered.
2.1 Symptoms of HMPV
- HMPV symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu, but can become more serious in some vulnerable people.
Mild Symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
Severe Symptoms:
- Breathing difficulty
- Wheezing
- Bronchiolitis or pneumonia
2.3 How Does HMPV Spread?
HMPV spreads in similar ways to COVID-19:
- Coughing, sneezing or even salad throwing.
- close to other infected people.
- Contact contaminated surfaces and then getting into contact with your face.
2.4 Treatment for HMPV
- Currently there is no specific vaccine or antiviral drug for HMPV.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms:
- Hydration and rest
- Paracetamol for fever
- Severe cases of care given in a hospital
3. Key Differences Between Coronavirus and HMPV
| Aspect | Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Year | SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in 2019 | HMPV in 2001 |
| Cause | SARS-CoV-2 virus | Human Metapneumovirus |
| Global Impact | Pandemic, millions of deaths worldwide | Less known, localized severe infections |
| Symptoms | Fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste/smell | Runny nose, wheezing, severe pneumonia |
| Vaccine Available | Yes (e.g., Covaxin, Pfizer) | No vaccine yet |
| Treatment | Antivirals, supportive care | Symptom management |
| High-Risk Groups | Elderly, people with comorbidities | Children, elderly, immunocompromised |
| Spread Method | Droplets, airborne, surfaces | Droplets, close contact, surfaces |
4. How should You protect Yourself from Both Viruses?
The preventive measures for both viruses are similar:
General Tips:
- Wash Hands Regularly: For at least 20 seconds, use soap and water.
- Wear a Mask: Especially in crowded places or if you have a symptom.
- Avoid Crowded Spaces: If you can, keep the distance.
- Disinfect Surfaces: Clean your living spaces.
- Stay Healthy: Eat balanced, exercise and sleep well, you could boost your immunity.
5. Future Outlook
- COVID-19 Research: We’re continuing efforts to improve vaccines and antiviral treatments. They are also researching long term effects of COVID-19 known as long COVID.
- HMPV Research: HMPV researchers are trying to develop vaccines and antiviral drugs that target the F protein, which is necessary to get it outthere.
