Your Symptoms Might not be COVID-19, But Human Metapneumovirus: Know the Difference

The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has made us extra conscious about our health as any unordinary symptom could indicate the virus. While there are countless articles available discussing the symptoms and ways to prevent it, what if your symptoms are indicating something else other than COVID-19? That something else could be human metapneumovirus. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can differentiate between the symptoms of COVID-19 and human metapneumovirus.

What is human metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections in children and adults. It usually occurs in the winter months and is highly contagious. The virus is not as prevalent as other respiratory viruses, but it has the potential to cause severe health complications if not treated timely.

Symptoms of human metapneumovirus

The symptoms of human metapneumovirus are similar to other respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and cold. The common symptoms include:

These symptoms could last up to two weeks, and they usually start showing up within five days after being exposed to the virus. There is no specific treatment for human metapneumovirus, and the symptoms are managed and treated with medication and lots of rest.

Difference between COVID-19 and human metapneumovirus

COVID-19 and human metapneumovirus have identical symptoms except for a few key differences. The primary difference is the loss of smell and taste, which is a symptom that is unique to COVID-19. While not everyone with COVID-19 experiences loss of smell and taste, it is a significant indicator for getting tested for COVID-19.

Another significant difference between the two viruses is the severity of the symptoms. People with COVID-19 usually experience more severe symptoms than those with human metapneumovirus. It is, however, important to note that both viruses have the potential for severe complications, and it is essential to get tested and treated as soon as possible.

Prevention of human metapneumovirus

Since there is no vaccine available for human metapneumovirus, the only way to prevent it from spreading is to practice good hygiene. The virus is contagious and spreads by coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.

To prevent the virus from spreading, it is crucial to:

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Summary:
While COVID-19 has taken over our lives, there are other respiratory viruses to look out for, such as human metapneumovirus. Understanding the symptoms and how to differentiate between the two will help you take the necessary steps for testing and treatment. Practicing good hygiene is the best prevention method against human metapneumovirus, and it is always better to be safe than sorry! #HEALTH