HMPV: Much Ado About 'Nothing', Say Doctors

Human metapneumovirus or HMPV, a respiratory virus discovered over two decades ago but circulating for 60–80 years, is akin to the common cold (Image source: Pexels)

Infectious disease specialists have termed the human metapneumovirus "reasonably innocuous", urging calm amid concerns over the HMPV.

Ramasubramanian, a consultant on infectious diseases at Apollo Hospitals, dismissed the frenzy, labelling it a "hue and cry over nothing".

HMPV, a respiratory virus discovered over two decades ago but circulating for 60–80 years, is akin to the common cold. Its symptoms — nasal congestion, blocked nose and mild fever — are typically harmless in healthy adults, according to Ramasubramanian.

In adults, it doesn't even cause fever.

Ramasubramanian, consultant on infectious diseases, Apollo Hospitals

For the most part, the virus is a concern only for young children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system. Even in these groups, it rarely poses a serious threat unless accompanied by breathlessness or a significant drop in oxygen levels, Ramasubramanian explained.

Often mentioned in the same breath as the respiratory syncytial virus, the HMPV shares similarities in being aerosol-transmitted and seasonal, typically surfacing in the winter months. But experts are quick to note key differences.

"RSV often causes wheezing in otherwise healthy individuals. HMPV tends to worsen pre-existing conditions like asthma but is otherwise mild," Ramasubramanian said.

There is no vaccine for HMPV primarily because its impact is minor. Preventative measures like masking, maintaining distance and practicing hygiene suffice, though most children in schools are likely to catch viral infections anyway, according to Vinit Samdhani, a pediatrician at Breach Candy Hospital.

Despite media reports spotlighting HMPV in China, doctors emphasise that no unusual outbreaks or severe cases are being observed. "This is a normal winter virus," Samdhani said. "History shows pandemics occur every 100 years. We're far from the next one."

While HMPV is generally mild, doctors advise watching out for severe symptoms like breathlessness, high fever or low oxygen levels, which may warrant hospitalisation. However, for the vast majority, symptomatic treatment at home is sufficient.