In absence of vaccine or antiviral treatment, here’s how to protect against Human Metapneumovirus

New Delhi: Amid the recent Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, an Indian Medical Association (IMA) expert stated that the virus does not cause fatalities like Covid-19. However, it may lead to lung infections in certain individuals.

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, said, “The HMPV or the Human Metapneumovirus is not a killer virus. It is not a virus that causes severe pneumonia or causes deaths like Covid did in the first part of the pandemic.”

Common among young children
Dr Jayadevan explained that HMPV is widespread among young children. “In fact, this virus is so common among young children that nearly 100 per cent of younger children would have become infected by the age of four or five years,” he told IANS. Despite its prevalence, there is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment recommended for HMPV.

Mild symptoms for most, severe impact on some
For the majority, HMPV causes mild symptoms. However, Dr Jayadevan noted that it can lead to bronchiolitis (lung infection) or exacerbate asthma in a few individuals. “It can also affect people who have underlying lung diseases like chronic obstructive lung disease and adults, especially with compromised immune systems,” he added.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath for HMPV.

HMPV and its family of viruses
HMPV, first discovered in 2001, belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, alongside the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Dr Jayadevan noted, “HMPV is one of several viruses well known to cause mild respiratory infections in young children. The others include common coronaviruses, the rhinovirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, and influenza viruses.”

Among these, RSV is particularly known to cause infections in young children.

China's situation not alarming
Addressing concerns about the outbreak in China, Dr Jayadevan said, “The situation in China is not as severe as some reports might suggest. China is going through winter, especially in the northern parts of that country, and this winter is severe.” He assured that HMPV is “not a cause of concern any more than it is in every regular winter season.”

Prevention remains key
While there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments for HMPV, Dr Jayadevan recommended simple preventive measures. These include frequent handwashing, staying home when experiencing respiratory symptoms, and avoiding mingling with others if symptomatic.