HMPV vs other respiratory viruses: Doctor sheds light on key differences

First identified in 2001, HMPV, or Human Metapneumovirus, recently made headlines in India. HMPV symptoms are very similar to that of flu and cold, and are usually observed to have mild symptoms on healthy adults. However, in children and older adults, HMPV can cause severe symptoms. Soon after being detected, people were quick to relate it to the symptoms of COVID-19.

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show it has circulated in human populations since the 1970s, though it was first identified by scientists in 2001.