"HMPV is contagious," says Dr Caroline Simon, Consultant Pulmonologist , Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. But the real question is how contagious is it? So much so that it can lead to a situation like the COVID-19 pandemic and cause a lockdown - forcing people to quarantine? Human metapneumovirus is a virus that usually causes symptoms that are similar to a cold. You may cough or wheeze, have a runny nose, or have a sore throat.
Even though most of the cases of this virus are mild, young children and adults over the age of 65 years and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for serious illness. Can HMPV Cause A Covid-Pandemic Like Situation?"HMPV tends to share similarities with COVID-19, such as causing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, and shortness of breath. However, it is known to impact children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems," says Dr.
Harish Chafle Senior Consultant Chest Physician, Bronchoscopists, Intensivist, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel Mumbai. He further adds, "Moreover, touching contaminated surfaces, coughing, sneezing, and shaking hands can spread the virus just like Covid-19. However, it is too early to say if the HMPV can cause a pandemic-like situation in India.
" Dr. Caroline Simon, Consultant Pulmonologist , Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, on the other hand, says, "As of now, HMPV is unlikely to cause a pandemic-like situation similar to COVID-19. This is because the HMP.
